Meeting the blue belt BJJ requirements allows you as a tough fighter who is relaxing, attacking, and defending from various jiu-jitsu positions. Otherwise, a blue belt student is no longer regarded as a rookie who everyone will crush.
As a result, the journey from white belt to blue belt BJJ is a massive accomplishment for any practitioner. So, you’re probably wondering how long it takes to progress from white to blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu?
Jiu-jitsu students typically spend 2 to 3 years in the white belt before moving on to the blue belt. Nonetheless, the progression timeline may differ from academy to academy, depending on various requirements.
Indeed, obtaining the next rank depends on a long list of techniques and moves the student must master before being promoted.
If you’re a BJJ white belt looking to advance to a blue belt, this BJJ guide is for you. It will help you understand the blue belt jiu-jitsu requirements and what you should focus on to achieve your goal.
As a result, you will be able to break free from the circle of the 75% of white belts who quit before reaching the blue belt level.
White Belt Vs. Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The white belt is typically the first rank in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu ranking system. Therefore, it’s awarded to a beginner who has only recently begun training in this martial arts discipline.
On the other hand, the blue belt is the second rank in the BJJ ranking system. And it is offered to students with years of jiu-jitsu training and a good understanding of the fundamentals.
From a different perspective, a blue belt is a tough person, especially mentally, who did not abandon at the white belt level.
Of course, he gets smashed by everyone in the gym as a white belt, but it doesn’t matter because he completes all of the challenges and becomes a blue belt.
Other differences between white and blue belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu are listed below.
White Belts Analysis
- Poor jiu-jitsu game due to a lack of knowledge of the necessary positions, techniques, etc.
- Spend a lot of energy performing basic moves.
- Lack of mobility.
- May have low strength and conditioning.
- Tend to survive a lot and have doubts about attacking.
- Bad distance management.
- Inefficient Grips in most situations.
- Finding issues solving rolling problems
- Ego may destroy them.
Blue Belts Analysis
- A more extensive repertoire of techniques and moves to personalize their defending and attacking game.
- Remain calm in difficult situations, and they know when to the next move smoothly without spending much energy.
- High mobility.
- Excellent strength and conditioning.
- Good distance management.
- Efficient grips
- Positive mental attitude
- Amazing competitive mindset
- Impressive commitment on the mat
- Good problem-solving process
- Good self-esteem
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu White Belt State: An Overview
Unfortunately, you are not even close to the blue belt BJJ ranking level as a beginner Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner due to a lack of technical skills. But why is this true?
White belts initially struggle with processing basic movements and techniques during training. For example, they will fail to shrimp, roll, complete a submission (armbar, triangle, etc.), and other issues.
Otherwise, persons who just started BJJ will undoubtedly be confused about which guard type to use from a bottom position.
In addition, of course, they will miss many important details and principles necessary to play a guard properly.
As a result, an inexperienced white belt will always yell, “this guard is not for me; it doesn’t work,” or “this technique doesn’t work.”
As a beginner white belt, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and lose sight of what’s essential. Therefore, only persistent Brazilian jiu-jitsu student surpass their struggles and start thriving.
However, step by step, a wise white belt gets better and better at playing some different types of guards, techniques, movements, etc. As a result, they will survive in most jiu-jitsu positions.
And the important thing is that they will become more confident in processing escapes and process some submissions without hesitation.
Getting a Blue Belt, What Does It Take?
On the road to earning the blue belt, a white belt must understand and master an extensive list of Brazilian jiu-jitsu techniques, movements, etc.
Otherwise, they must abandon survival mode and begin building their game with various combinations. So, what does it take to get a blue belt in BJJ?
On average, a white belt takes 2 to 3 years of dedicated training to earn a blue belt in jiu-jitsu.
Otherwise, a committed white belt practitioner understands that earning a blue belt isn’t about how long you’ve been practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
But he understands that belt promotion is based on how good you became at jiu-jitsu.
As a result, the critical point of earning a blue belt is to devote more time to BJJ training and sharpening your techniques, movements, and game strategies.
Blue Belt BJJ Requirements: Technical Needs
Understanding the technical requirements a student must achieve will help you complete the goal of earning a blue belt much more quickly and easily.
Most importantly, you should become familiar with attacking and defending from various jiu-jitsu positions employing at least two or three effective techniques.
Otherwise, according to most people, moving out of survival mode and starting to personalize your game with proper tactics is one of the most visible signs of deserving a blue belt.
Getting your instructor’s attention while on your blue belt journey is not always simple.
Consequently, you’re probably thinking, what exactly are the requirements that will place you on the proper track to earning your blue belt in jiu-jitsu?
The technical advancements made by rookie students since their first days on the mat are considered among the jiu-jitsu blue belt requirements.
To progress from the white belt to the blue belt, you must master a variety of positions, techniques, and moves, detailed below.
Demanded Fundamental Moves On Your Way to Blue Belt
In their BJJ beginning, new practitioners will have difficulty performing the various movements due to a lack of weight balance and mobility, among other factors.
Nevertheless, they slowly become more familiar with these moves. Therefore, They have started performing the various jiu-jitsu techniques and submissions most effectively and improving their game.
Geat progression! But what are the basic movements to master on my road to achieving the blue belt rank?
Several Brazilian jiu-jitsu moves must be learned and understood before moving from the white to blue belt in BJJ, including:
N.B: The jiu-jitsu movements listed above are not a definitive list of what is needed. Although learning and performing these moves well will help improve your game toward obtaining the blue belt.
Needed Positions On Moving from White to Blue Belt BJJ
After a while of training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, you will discover that this unique grappling martial art has a variety of positions.
Furthermore, having a solid understanding of these positions will assist the practitioner in developing a reliable fighting game that will allow him to dominate his opponent.
The question is, what are the fundamental positions that I should learn as I progress through the rank of the blue belt?
The following are some of the fundamental positions that a new reputable, promoted BJJ blue belt understood well:
- Closed guard
- Half guard
- Side control
- Full mount
- Knee on belly
- Back Control
- Turtle Position
- Standing position
N.B: Jiu-Jitsu positions listed above may not be the definitive list of what is needed. However, understanding how to attack and defend from these fundamental positions is the start of a blue belt to build a solid jiu-jitsu foundation.
Required Techniques On Moving from White to Blue Belt
Techniques and submissions are the lifeblood of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and keep this grappling martial art alive and kicking.
So the question is, what fundamental techniques and submissions must be performed to progress from the white belt to the blue belt?
The following are some of the fundamental techniques and submissions that a new, reputable, and promoted BJJ blue belt should be able to perform with ease:
- Triangle choke
- Cross collar choke
- Rear naked choke
- Guillotine choke
- Armbar
- Americana lock
- Kimura lock
- Guard pull
- Basic guard retention techniques
- Over-under guard pass
- Toreando guard pass
- Knee slice pass
- Staple pass
- Closed guard break
- Hip bump sweep
- Scissor sweep
- Pendulum sweep
- Double and single-leg takedown
- Fundamental side control escapes
- Basic mount escapes
- Fundamental back control escapes
- Basic bottom turtle escapes
- Knee on belly escapes
N.B: Techniques listed above are not a definitive list of what is required to obtain a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu because they may differ from instructor to instructor.
Although understanding the process of using those basic techniques will take you a long way toward your goal of obtaining the blue belt link, it will only take you so far.
Related: Begin your BJJ career confidently as you learn the essential techniques and movements that every beginner should know. This article reveals the basic moves and techniques to help improve your game so far.
Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt Requirements Differ from One Academy to Another!
According to our resources, the jiu-jitsu blue belt standards outlined above will be sufficient for a white belt to attain the blue belt regardless of where he receives his training.
On the other hand, the criteria for earning a blue belt may vary from one BJJ gym to another.
Depending on the circumstances, someone may earn a blue belt in less than a year, while another may remain at the white belt level for several years.
So, why do blue belt BJJ requirements differ from academy to academy?
Each academy has its training approach, which may cause variations in jiu-jitsu blue belt certification requirements.
For example, some jiu-jitsu schools are oriented toward no-gi training, others prefer Gi training, and others prioritize self-defense training.
Discover below some of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and 10th Planet schools’ blue belt requirements.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt Requirements
Students of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy should prioritize learning the techniques to defend themselves adequately against a larger opponent in a real-world street battle.
So, to achieve this goal, the Gracie jiu-jitsu academy requires that a white belt student develop his combative skills to get the blue belt by mastering the requirements mentioned below.
Mount Position
- Americana armlock
- Rear naked choke
- Straight armlock
- Twisting arm control
- Back mount finish
- Armlock finish
- Trap and roll escape
- Standard elbow escape
- Hook removal
- Heel drag
- Back take
- Headlock counters
- Armlock finish
Guard Position
- Triangle choke
- Straight armlock
- Kimura armlock
- Back Take
- Elevator sweep
- Headlock variation
- Double ankle sweep
- Knee thrust variation
- Hook sweep
- Double underhook guard pass
Side Control Position
- Roll prevention
- Guard prevention
- Mount transition
- Shrimp escape
- Punch block variation
- Headlock escape
- Standard frame escape
- Scissor failure variation
- Headlock escape
- Standard leg hook escape
- Elbow escape
- Knee drive variation
- High step variation
Standing Position
- Distance control strategies
- Leg hook takedown
- Body fold takedown
- Double leg takedown
- Pull guard
- Rear takedown
- Guillotine choke
- Standing variation
- Guard pull variation
- Standing armlock
- Standing headlock defense
- Guillotine defense
N.B: To discover the definitive list of techniques for the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu blue belt test requirements and graduation, visit their official website (See the last section).
10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt Requirement
According to their site, the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Academy requires white belt students to improve their endurance to advance to a blue belt.
In addition, good strength and conditioning training is crucial to correctly perform the different jiu-jitsu movements and techniques.
Therefore, 10th Planet assists students in their training by providing additional programs focused on various components of endurance training and performance improvement.
Otherwise, the 10th Planet blue belt practitioners should develop a solid bottom guard defense and retention.
As a result, blue belts spend significant time sparring in the guard position.
Indeed, they must master some attacks and escape from other positions, including the mount, back mount, and side control.
BJJ Blue Belt Promotion: The Test
The blue belt test assures that a white belt deserves the blue belt after a training period.
Consequently, the student will be evaluated from various perspectives;
Such as historical knowledge of gentle art, general principles, physical ability, fundamental movements, and technical expertise.
Last but not least, the test ends with a worm sparring.
You’ve done it right! Congratulations.
Blue Belt Level Achieved, What’s Next?
Some Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners consider attaining the blue belt rank a significant accomplishment.
But things do not stop here since you’re not even close to reaching your biggest jiu-jitsu dream. The training must carry on!
A blue belt has understood the primary ground positions and can perform the fundamental techniques efficiently at this level.
They can roll productively without relying on pure power or retreating to instinct since they are well-versed in a handful of techniques and submissions for any circumstance.
In this case, what should be the subsequent pursuit for the BJJ blue belt?
Blue belts should broaden their scope of study to include more advanced positions and explore various guard and passing tactics.
Therefore, they should consist of new positions in their game, considerably increasing their repertoire of techniques.
For example, concentrating on mastering different open guard variations, like the De la Riva guard, butterfly guard, spider guard, and so on, will be a fantastic place to begin scaling their jiu-jitsu game.
Final Thoughts
The blue belt rank may be an excellent achievement for an extensive list of Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners.
It means that the student has passed a couple of years on the jiu-jitsu mat while countering several challenges and opponents.
But, you’re probably wondering, how good is a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu?
Regardless of his original academy, a blue belt should be good enough playing the basic BJJ positions, including the guard, side control, mount, etc.
Otherwise, he’ll be good at managing distance and performing basic movements and submissions like the triangle choke, straight armbar, etc.
I enjoy watching blue belts in jiu-jitsu grappling tournaments because they are brutal.
So far, they’ve proven to be challenging, putting in high-level performances while employing incredible technique combinations and superb conditioning.
Tell us about your experience; how long did it take you to obtain your blue belt?
Recommended: This article delves into the best BJJ belts on the market. It will help you select the most pleasing belt for Brazilian jiu-jitsu to roll comfortably. Discover More Immediately!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Many Blue Belts to Abandon BJJ Training?
Injuries are among the top causes that forced many blue belts to abandon jiu-jitsu training.
Unfortunately, accidents and injuries are inescapable in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, at least regarding the sport’s technical aspects.
Why Is the Percentage of White Belts Abandon Jiu-Jitsu Before Achieving the Blue Belt? Why?
Almost 75% of white belts abandon their training before achieving the blue belt level.
As you may know, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a complex grappling martial art requiring excellent physical and technical ability to survive on the ground.
The focus, however, is not always on strength and conditioning!
The following are the most common reasons white belts give up their Jiu-Jitsu training before achieving the blue belt rank.
- Ego
- Injuries
- Technical issues: Unable to remember the various techniques setups.
- Low self-esteem
- Unrealistic expectations
- Negative mental attitude
- Lack of competitive mindset
- Lack of Commitment
Can I Achieve a BJJ Blue Belt in One Year?
Getting a blue belt in a year is possible, primarily if you practice Brazilian jiu-jitsu at least four times per week.
Otherwise, tracking your progress in various positions, techniques, and movements can help you reach your goal fast.
However, you’ll find it difficult if you are a white belt with a lack of commitment and slow jiu-jitsu progress and do not compete in tournaments.
Can I Get a BJJ Blue Belt in 6 Months?
Obtaining a BJJ blue belt in six months is challenging but possible.
However, it will be much less complicated if you’re a jiu-jitsu white belt trained in other martial arts such as wrestling, judo, etc.
Otherwise, it will be easier if you hold a solid commitment to training, a positive mental attitude, and a savage competitive mindset.
What Level Is a Blue Belt in Jiu-Jitsu?
Blue belt is the second adult-colored belt level in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. A white belt can achieve the blue belt within one to two years of BJJ training.
What Is the Minimum Age for the Blue Belt BJJ Rank Promotion?
According to the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, you must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for promotion to the blue belt rank.
