IBJJF system (age 16 and over)

Grading systems by organisation

IBJJF system (age 16 and over)IBJJF kids system (ages 4–15)

The General System of Graduation of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) for practitioners aged 16 and over, in its June 2026 version. White to brown belts are divided into four degrees, the black belt into six; the seventh and eighth degrees are the red and black and the red and white belts, the ninth the red belt. Time periods count from the registration of each belt with the IBJJF. The professor decides when to promote, but the IBJJF recognises a promotion only if the minimum periods are met.

White belt

Rank #1

Requirements & Focus

The starting belt, with no age limit and no minimum period. It is divided into four degrees; whether to use them is up to the professor.

Blue belt

Rank #2

Requirements & Focus

From age 16. An adult stays in it for at least two years; one year is enough after a grey, yellow or orange kids belt, and a former green belt or an adult world champion may move on without waiting.

Purple belt

Rank #3

Federation minimum: 24 months

Requirements & Focus

From age 16. The minimum in the belt is a year and a half, or one year after a juvenile blue belt. Only an adult, aged 18 or over, can move on to brown.

Brown belt

Rank #4

Federation minimum: 18 months

Requirements & Focus

From age 18, with a minimum of one year in the belt. An adult world champion at brown belt may move to black without waiting and as early as 18.

Black belt

Rank #5

Federation minimum: 12 months

Requirements & Focus

Six degrees; the first can be requested after three years of proven activity. Only a professor with at least two IBJJF-certified degrees may promote to black belt.

Red and black belt (7th degree)

Rank #6

Federation minimum: 372 months

Requirements & Focus

The seventh degree of the black belt, from age 49. It is requested seven years after the sixth degree or after 31 years of proven activity at black belt.

Red and white belt (8th degree)

Rank #7

Federation minimum: 84 months

Requirements & Focus

The eighth degree of the black belt, from age 56. It is requested seven years after the seventh degree or after 38 years of proven activity at black belt.

Red belt (9th and 10th degree)

Rank #8

Federation minimum: 120 months

Requirements & Focus

The ninth degree, from age 66; ten years after the eighth degree or after 48 years at black belt. The tenth degree was given only to the pioneers Carlos, Oswaldo, George, Gastão and Hélio Gracie.