Are you curious about learning the difference between white and blue belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ)? A white belt is someone who has only recently begun his training. On the other hand, a blue belt is a BJJ practitioner with at least two years of experience.
There is no simple answer to white belts vs. blue belts! This article discusses the differences between these two jiu-jitsu ranks from various perspectives, including technical knowledge, mentality, etc. Stay tuned!
White Belt Vs. Blue Belt in the BJJ Ranking System

The white belt is typically the first level 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.
White Belt Vs. Blue Belt Jiu-Jitsu Game Plan
A game plan specifies how the BJJ practitioner will apply the many learning techniques to achieve his aim of “winning the fight.” So, it is highly beneficial and has the potential to make a significant impact on the result of a competitive match.
Thus, the best Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitors use game plans to defeat superior opponents. However, I’m 100% sure that you will achieve nothing if you use the different BJJ techniques in a hazardous manner.
Speaking game plan?! Do white belt and blue both have a game plan?
A white belt will most likely begin to develop a game plan after years of practice because he must become familiar with various techniques. In other words, due to a lack of technical knowledge, a new white belt will likely survive in his early days of jiu-jitsu.
On the other hand, a blue belt will undoubtedly develop gameplay because he already knows and understands many BJJ techniques.
White Belt Vs. Blue Belt Who Will Win
A new white belt will get smashed by a blue belt in a rolling session since he lacks technical knowledge like playing the guard, etc.
Let’s understand why a blue belt can overcome a white belt easily.
White Belts | Blue Belts | |
BJJ Technical Knowledge | Lack of knowledge of the necessary basic jiu-jitsu positions, techniques, etc. | Have an extensive repertoire of techniques and moves to personalize their defending and attacking game. |
Game Plan | Tend to survive and are more overwhelmed by defending than attacking. Otherwise, they are ineffective in employing the different techniques due to inadequate gripping methods and other things. Otherwise, they may have lousy distance management. | Have a strict game plan and can play effectively from several BJJ positions, including the guard, etc. Indeed, they can manage distance, among other things. |
Energy, strength, and conditioning level | Run out of gas quickly to wrong due to extensive wrong movements and low conditioning level. | Remain calm in difficult situations, and they know when to move smoothly next without spending much energy. Indeed, they have a great strength and conditioning level. |
Mobility and flexibility | Lack of mobility and flexibility. | Have good mobility and flexibility |
Competing Experience | Lack Competition experience | Have already competed in one or more tournaments. |
Mindset & Attitude | Find issues solving rolling problems. Indeed, their ego may destroy them. | Have a great positive mental attitude, competitive mindset, commitment on the mat, problem-solving process, etc. |
Recommended: Is It Possible to Get Your Blue Belt in Just 6 Months?
Final Thoughts
There are various distinctions between white and blue belt practitioners aside from the period of Brazilian jiu-jitsu practice.
A white belt is a novice practitioner with limited expertise. As a result, he has a lot of issues when he rolls with other practitioners. Indeed, he tends to survive a lot and run out of gas quickly owing to poor game management and risky maneuvers, among other things.
On the other hand, a blue belt is a more seasoned BJJ practitioner familiar with various techniques, positions, and transitions.
As a result, he can control the distance and play well from multiple positions, including the side control, the guard, the mount, etc.
Otherwise, he can adequately manage his energy and utilize his strength, among other things.
I hope this post helped you understand the distinctions between blue and white belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Related Article: Many BJJ practitioners struggle to achieve a blue belt because they ignore the requirements; click here to learn more.