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Where Would You Start?
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you exactly which program and belt level is right for you.
Kids Belt Progression
The kids belt system has more levels than the adult system, giving young practitioners more frequent milestones and motivation. At age 16, kids transition to the adult ranking system.
The Look on Their Face When They Earn Their First Stripe
That's why we do this. Every stripe, every belt, every small victory on the mat builds something bigger -- confidence, discipline, and resilience that follows them everywhere.
"Watch your child grow with every stripe. Each belt earned builds confidence that lasts beyond the mat."
White Belt
Starting point for all kids
Every child begins here. The white belt phase is all about building comfort on the mat - learning to listen to the coach, following basic movements, and most importantly, having fun. Kids develop coordination, body awareness, and social skills through partner drills and games. There is no pressure to perform; the goal is to spark a love for the art that keeps them coming back.
Gray Belt
IBJJF: Ages 4-15 | 3 variants
Gray-White, Solid Gray, Gray-Black. Building fundamental movement patterns and basic techniques. Kids at this level start understanding how to control their body on the ground and begin learning simple escapes and pins.
Yellow Belt
IBJJF: Ages 7-15 | 3 variants
Yellow-White, Solid Yellow, Yellow-Black. Developing guard work, escapes, and first submissions. Reaction time improves noticeably, and kids begin thinking one step ahead during drills and light sparring.
Orange Belt
IBJJF: Ages 10-15 | 3 variants
Orange-White, Solid Orange, Orange-Black. Refining technique chains and light sparring strategies. At this stage, kids show real confidence and begin combining multiple moves into sequences during live rolls.
Green Belt
IBJJF: Ages 13-15 | 3 variants
Green-White, Solid Green, Green-Black. The highest kids rank. Advanced technique and competition readiness. Green belts often mentor younger students and demonstrate leadership both on and off the mat.
At age 16, kids transition to the adult belt system. Depending on their level, they typically receive an adult blue belt. Green belts with extensive competition experience may be promoted higher.
Explore Kids BJJ ProgramAdult Belt Progression
Five ranks, earned through years of dedicated training. Each belt represents a distinct phase of your development as a martial artist.
White Belt
No experience needed. This is where every single black belt in the world started. The white belt phase is about building a foundation: learning to move, learning to stay calm, and learning the language of Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you are 16 or 60, the white belt is your introduction to a discipline that rewards patience and consistency over raw athleticism. You will learn how your body works on the ground, how to breathe under pressure, and how to safely train with a partner. Most people are surprised by how quickly the basics become second nature.
- Basic positions: guard, mount, side control, back
- Escapes and survival fundamentals
- First submissions: armbar, triangle, rear naked choke
- Breakfalls and safe rolling etiquette
Blue Belt
Your first major milestone. Earning a blue belt means you have a working understanding of fundamental BJJ and can defend yourself on the ground against an untrained opponent. Many consider this the most challenging belt to reach and to push through. This is where you start connecting techniques into sequences and developing your own preferences on the mat.
- Guard passing systems and chain attacks
- Sweeps from multiple guard positions
- Submission defense and counter-attacks
- Takedowns and grip fighting basics
Purple Belt
This is where your personal game starts to emerge. Purple belts have a deep understanding of Jiu-Jitsu mechanics and begin developing their own style, whether it's a dangerous guard game, relentless pressure passing, or creative leg locks. Training feels less like memorizing and more like problem-solving in real time.
- Advanced guard systems: De La Riva, berimbolo, X-guard
- Leg lock entries and defense
- Transition game and flow between positions
- Competition strategy and game planning
Brown Belt
Polishing everything. Brown belts are eliminating weaknesses and refining their A-game. At this level, most practitioners begin teaching lower belts, which deepens their own understanding. You are no longer learning new techniques as much as perfecting the ones you have. Efficiency replaces effort, and your movements become sharp and deliberate.
- Eliminating holes in your game
- Teaching methodology and coaching skills
- High-level pressure and timing
- Mental game and mat leadership
Black Belt
Mastery and teaching. A black belt is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new one. Black belts continue to learn, evolve, and pass on knowledge. They hold degrees (up to 6th degree) awarded every 3-5 years, followed by Coral and Red belts at the highest levels. Earning a black belt is a rare achievement that reflects over a decade of dedication, discipline, and personal growth.
- Complete technical mastery across all positions
- Ability to teach and develop students at all levels
- Deep conceptual understanding of leverage and body mechanics
- Lifetime commitment to the art and community
Every Black Belt Started as a White Belt
Your first class is free. No experience needed, no commitment required. Show up, train, and see where the journey takes you.
Book Your Free TrialHow Stripes Work
Stripes are thin pieces of white tape placed horizontally on the black tip of your belt. They mark your progress within each rank, from freshly promoted to ready for the next level.
Blue Belt - 0 Stripes
How Stripes Are Earned at Gracie Laval
At Gracie Laval, stripes are awarded based on consistent training, technical growth, and attitude on and off the mat. There is no formal test or fee for belt promotions.
Join 200+ Families on the Mat
who started their belt journey at Renzo Gracie Laval
"My son went from shy to confident in 3 months. The belt promotions keep him so motivated."
-- Parent of a Junior student"I started at 38 with zero experience. Got my first stripe in 2 months. Best decision I ever made."
-- Adult white belt student"Coach Louis-Philippe explains the path clearly. You always know where you are and where you're going."
-- Blue belt student, 2 years inYour First Class Is Completely Free
No commitment. No credit card. No experience needed. Just show up and see if Jiu-Jitsu is right for you.
Start Your Belt Journey - Book Free TrialCompetition Guides
Everything you need to know before stepping on the competition mat.
IBJJF Official Rules
For complete IBJJF official rules, age requirements, minimum time at each belt, the degree system, kids-to-adult transition rules, and graduation timelines, see our comprehensive guide.
IBJJF Graduation System GuideVisit Us
Drop by the academy or send us a message. Your first class is always free.
Send Us a Message
Renzo Gracie Global Network
Renzo Gracie Laval is part of the Renzo Gracie global network, one of the most respected lineages in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Our head professor, Louis-Philippe, is a Renzo Gracie Black Belt with 15+ years of experience and a Canadian Armed Forces veteran. Your journey is in trusted hands.