BJJ Blue Belt: Complete Guide with FAQs

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art focused on ground fighting and submission holds. It teaches techniques like joint locks and chokeholds to control or submit an opponent, even if they are bigger or stronger. The goal is to use technique and leverage to outsmart your opponent rather than relying on strength.

The BJJ belt system shows a student’s progress and skill level. It starts with the white belt (beginner) and moves through blue, purple, brown, black, 2 coral, and final Red belts. Here is an image to understand all 8 BJJ belt ranking systems:

8 Belt BJJ Ranking System — Learn more here

1. What is a BJJ Blue Belt?

A BJJ blue belt is the second rank in BJJ. When you earn 4 stripes on your beginner rank (BJJ White Belt), you progress to the next rank, which is the blue belt. When you get your blue belt, it means you have learned the basic moves and concepts of BJJ. You will learn how to control important positions like guard, mount, and side control. This will help you defend yourself and attack during rolling.

Blue belts represent a solid understanding of BJJ’s basic techniques. It usually takes about 1 to 2 years to get there. At this stage, you will be more comfortable and more motivated and you will no longer beginner, but you still have much to learn as you practice and improve your skills. At this belt, you will practice for around 360 hours on the mat, with a focus on improving techniques, controlling opponents, and becoming more comfortable in different positions.

2. How Long to Get a BJJ Blue Belt?

To earn your BJJ blue belt, you need to achieve all four stripes on your previous belt (BJJ white belt). Each stripe takes 3 to 6 months to earn, typically requiring attending about 25 classes. So, the total average time to earn a blue belt is between 1 to 2 years or approximately 125 classes. However, it can also take more or less time depending on several factors, such as your training frequency, skill level, your instructor’s standards, previous martial arts experience, and more.

Now, how much time should you spend as a blue belt? Similar to the BJJ White belt Stripes, the blue belt also has four stripes. But, each stripe on the blue belt takes 6 to 12 months (compared to 3 to 6 months for the white belt) to earn. Therefore, the total average time spent in the blue belt is 2 to 4 years.

Remember that even Black Belts were once Blue Belts. Every master was once a beginner who didn’t give up.
– Helio Gracie

3. Skills and Knowledge Expected at Blue Belt:

At the Blue Belt level in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), you are expected to have a solid understanding of the basics and be able to apply them effectively in both training and sparring. Here are the key skills and knowledge expected at this level:

1. Good Understanding of Basic Moves

You should have a good understanding of BJJ basics, including moves like guard, side control, mount, and back control. This means you can hold dominant positions effectively and escape when in a bad spot while staying calm under pressure.

2. Defensive Skills

You need to be good at defending yourself in tough positions. This means escaping bad spots like being under someone’s mount or trapped in a submission.

3. Basic Submissions

You should be familiar with core submission techniques like the armbar, triangle choke, rear-naked choke, guillotine, kimura, and Americana. You should also understand the proper setup and application of these moves.

4. Sweeps and Guard Techniques

You should have a working knowledge of guard positions, such as closed guard, side guard, mount control, and back control (as shown in the image below). You should also know a few effective sweeps to reverse your opponent’s position, such as the scissor sweep or hip bump sweep.

4 Important BJJ Positions that you need to be expert in them as a BJJ blue belt

5. Understanding of Takedowns

While BJJ focuses heavily on ground techniques, you should know a few basic takedowns, such as the double-leg takedown or trips, to transition from standing to the ground.

6. Basic Strategy and Problem-Solving

At this level, you should start to think strategically, making decisions during sparring based on your opponent’s movements and reactions. This includes chaining techniques together and adapting to various situations.

7. Mat Etiquette and Respect

You should demonstrate respect for your training partners, instructors, and the art of BJJ. This includes proper hygiene, maintaining a positive attitude, and helping lower belts improve by sharing knowledge.

4. Tips for BJJ Blue Belt Students:

A. Master the Basics

Even as a blue belt, keep practicing the basics like escapes, sweeps, and guard passes. The better you know them, the better you’ll get at BJJ.

B. Keep Yourself and Your Gear Clean:

Wash your GI, rash guard, and belt after every session and make sure to stay clean by taking a shower before class if needed and using a body spray. Plus keep both your fingernails and toenails short to prevent scratches or injuries.

C. Build Your Style

Start figuring out what techniques and positions work best for you. Focus on improving these while also fixing your weak areas.

D. Use Sparring to Learn

When rolling, don’t worry about winning. Use the time to try new moves and improve areas where you feel stuck.

E. Work on Your Defense

Learn to stay calm in bad spots and practice escapes. If you’re hard to submit, your confidence will grow.

F. Learn Positional Control

Practice holding positions like mount, side control, and back control. This makes it easier to stay in control during a roll or a match.

5. What Comes After the BJJ Blue Belt?

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) instructor wearing a purple belt, proudly tying the purple belt on a student's waist

After the blue belt, the next rank in BJJ is the purple belt, which represents an intermediate level. Reaching this rank takes around 3 to 5 years of consistent training. As a purple belt, you refine advanced techniques, improve transitions, and develop your personal style. You also start mentoring lower belts, which improves your understanding of BJJ.

This stage focuses on mastering advanced submissions, positional control, and chaining moves effectively. Many purple belts assist in teaching and may compete in challenging divisions. It’s a significant step that prepares you for the higher ranks, showcasing dedication and deeper skill.

6. Conclusion:

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art focused on grappling and ground fighting. It has a belt ranking system that shows the practitioner’s skill and experience level. The first rank is a white belt, and the second rank is a blue belt, which shows a strong understanding of basic techniques such as guard control, escapes, and submissions.

Earning this rank takes 1–2 years and about 125 classes, with progression requiring consistent practice and meeting specific skill milestones. Blue belts develop defensive skills, positional control, and basic submissions while refining their strategies through sparring.

As blue belts advance, they practice for 2–4 years, mastering techniques, mentoring lower belts, and preparing for the next level, the purple belt. They focus on discipline, respect, hygiene, and continuous improvement as key aspects of BJJ training at this stage.

FAQs

1. Can I Defend Myself as a BJJ Blue Belt?

Yes, as a BJJ blue belt, you can defend yourself easily in many situations, especially against people with less experience or those who don’t train in BJJ. At the blue belt level, you understand the basics of BJJ, like escapes, sweeps, submissions, and controlling positions. These skills are enough to handle most self-defense situations, especially when you know how to use technique and leverage to defend against bigger or stronger attackers.

“The Blue Belt is the belt of survival. It teaches you how to defend yourself while preparing you to become more offensive.”
– Saulo Ribeiro

2. Do I Need to Compete to Earn my Blue Belt in BJJ?

No, you don’t need to compete to earn your blue belt in BJJ. Promotions in BJJ, including to the blue belt, are typically based on factors such as time spent training, skill development, and consistency in practice. While competing can be a way to demonstrate your skills and gain experience, it is not a requirement for earning a blue belt. Your instructor will estimate your overall progress, technique, and understanding of BJJ to decide when you’re ready for a promotion.

3. How Dangerous is a BJJ Blue Belt?

A BJJ blue belt is skilled and has a solid understanding of techniques, especially for self-defense and grappling. While not an expert, they can handle many situations effectively. To someone with little to no BJJ experience, a blue belt can be dangerous. They have good control over positions, submissions, and escapes, and can neutralize an untrained opponent using techniques like joint locks and chokes. In short, a blue belt is a threat to anyone without proper training, particularly in close combat or grappling.

4. Can a Blue Belt Teach BJJ?

A BJJ blue belt has a solid understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and can definitely teach some techniques, especially to beginners or those who are newer to the sport. However, they may not have the depth of knowledge or teaching experience that a higher belt, such as a purple or black belt, would have. While a blue belt can certainly help with learning basics and improving your skills.

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BJJ Blue Belt: Complete Guide with FAQs

1. What is a BJJ Blue Belt?

2. How Long to Get a BJJ Blue Belt?