Don't Wish Your BJJ Journey Away
When I started BJJ, I was hell bent on being promoted to blue belt as quickly as humanly possible — hands up if you felt the same?
Words: Callum Medcraft
When I started BJJ, I was hell bent on being promoted to blue belt as quickly as humanly possible — hands up if you felt the same?
No one likes being labelled the 'newbie', so being relieved of that ostracising white strap around your waist is high priority when starting to train martial arts. That said, when it comes to jiu jitsu, we really shouldn't view grading this way, and here's why…
Promotion to blue belt in jiu jitsu is a massive, massive achievement — perhaps the most important achievement of your grappling journey. Being rewarded with your first power-up is the culmination of at least a solid year's worth of trials and tribulations on the tatami.
The first twelve months are all about survival; thrashing about somewhat hopelessly, trying to keep your head above water, while your skilled training partners barely break a sweat racking up a few casual submissions. Gradually, you get tapped less frequently; you learn to use technique over strength, and you come through the other side with a feeling that you 'get' jiu jitsu. Now you're in, baby.
> _A growing number of academies — many of them following the lead of big U.S. teams — have quietly slotted intermediate adult belts into their curriculum; what reason can be argued for this 'innovation' other than that of commercial intent?_
So why do we yearn for recognition of our progress with belts? Anyone who says they've never thought about their next belt at some stage or another is clearly lying, but why do some choose to dwell on this so prevalently instead of focussing on the beautiful journey?
In the traditional world of martial arts (and, perhaps, in general life) people tend to crave recognition; the perception of excellence can be more important than actual excellence. Being a black belt becomes a status symbol, enabling the beneficiary to feel like they've entered the world of the elite, which in turn opens up new opportunities: teaching, opening a gym, selling an instructional, growing a following — ultimately, making money. Is this what being a black belt is all about? Not in my book.
As Brazilian Jiu Jitsu becomes more popular, there are ultimately going to be changes. If we're honest, the benchmark for becoming a black belt has already shifted since the art left the shores of Brazil, and the rise of phenoms like Mikey Musumeci, the Ruotolo brothers and Cole Abate has reshaped what 'a good blue belt' or 'a good purple belt' even looks like. But BJJ still stands alone within the martial arts realm by promoting efficiency over time served when awarding belts. The IBJJF provides useful guidelines for belt promotions, but many choose to fixate on these guidelines and assume they will be ticked off accordingly. Ultimately, everyone learns at a different pace, and we should simply be focussed on getting better, not getting belts.
A growing number of academies have already incorporated intermediate adult belts into their curriculum; what reason can be argued for this beyond commercial intent? If a student can't take their licks, do their time, and wait the twelve months plus required to reach the rank of blue belt in jiu jitsu, perhaps they're in the wrong sport.
The crux of the matter is this: PLEASE don't wish your journey away. Clichéd as it may sound, the belt is there to keep your gi closed, and we all know the colour you bear around your waist means jack if you can't defend it on the mat. Don't be 'that' guy. Enjoy every moment for what it is and don't get obsessed with your next promotion. We're in this for the long haul, not for sugar highs that ultimately mean nothing.
See you on the mats.
Callum
Originally published in Jiu Jitsu Style by Callum Medcraft. Refreshed for 2026.