Highest Belt in BJJ
Up until 1980, the highest belt in BJJ was the black belt. However, from 1980 to now the BJJ highest belt has been the 9th and 10th degree red belt, which is extremely rare and difficult to achieve. After that, the coral belts (8th-degree red-and-white belt and 7th-degree red-and-black belt) are the next highest ranks. After these comes the BJJ 6th degree black belt, which is less difficult to achieve than the higher red belt ranks.
You can also say that the Highest Belt in BJJ is a black belt, but there are 4 different ranks within the black belt. The first black belt is from the 1st to the 6th degree. After that, there is the red-and-black belt for the 7th degree, followed by the red-and-white belt for the 8th degree. Finally, the 9th and 10th degrees are represented by the red belt.
Here is a quick breakdown of the BJJ ranking system from white to 10th-degree red Belt.
Red Belt: The Highest Rank in BJJ
While many think the black belt is the highest rank in BJJ, there is a rank even higher: the red belt. The red belt is extremely rare and is only given to those who are very famous, influential in BJJ, and have dedicated their entire lives to the art. A red belt holder is called a Grandmaster. Here is the process:
- White
- Blue
- Purple
- Brown
- Black (1st to 6th degree)
- Red/Black (7th degree)
- Red/White (8th degree)
- Red (9th and 10th degree)
A black belt holder must train and teach BJJ for many more years to earn a red belt. In fact, it can take more than 48 years of experience to be considered for a red belt! This is why you don’t see many people with a red belt in BJJ it is reserved for true masters of the art.
- Maybe you Like: How Long Does it Take to Get a Black Belt in BJJ?
BJJ 10 Degree Red Belt Grandmasters:
The highest red belt in BJJ is awarded only to the founders of BJJ. Seven founders of BJJ hold the 10th-degree red belt, 5 of them from the Gracie family and two from other families.
- Carlos Gracie Sr. (1902 – 1994)
- Helio Gracie (1913 – 2009)
- Oswaldo Gracie (1904 – 1978)
- George Gracie (1911 – 1991)
- Gastão Gracie Jr. (1906 – 1989)
- Oswaldo Fadda (1920 – 2005)
- Luiz França Filho (1910–1982)
All of these grandmasters have passed away, and currently, no 10th-degree red-belt grandmaster is alive. Here are the images:
BJJ 9th Degree Red Belt Grandmasters:
There are many 9th-degree red belt grandmasters. Here are some of the most popular 9th-degree from them who have achieved this honor:
Rorion Gracie (Born 1952): Rorion Gracie was promoted to 9th-degree red belt by his father, Helio Gracie.
He is an important figure in the history of BJJ and is known for helping create the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and promoting BJJ globally, especially in the United States.
Rickson Gracie (Born 1959): Rickson Gracie, one of the best BJJ Fighters received a 9th-degree red belt grandmaster, earned his red belt after years of training and representing the Gracie family.
He received his red belt from his brothers, Rorion and Royler Gracie, for his dedication and efforts in spreading BJJ worldwide.
Carlson Gracie (1932–2006): Carlson Gracie, son of Carlos Gracie received his 9th-degree red belt from his uncle Helio Gracie, as he was one of the family’s top fighters and instructors.
He trained many students, including several who would go on to become world champions in BJJ and MMA.
Flavio Behring (Born 1937): Flavio Behring was promoted to the rank of 9th-degree red belt by João Alberto Barreto, a respected grandmaster and a contemporary of the Gracie family.
Flavio Behring has also contributed to the organization of tournaments and the development of BJJ as a sport.
Francisco Mansor (Born 1939): Francisco Mansor, another student of Helio Gracie, was awarded his 9th-degree red belt by Helio Gracie.
Mansor has been teaching BJJ for over 50 years and is known for his dedication to teaching the traditional self-defense techniques of the Gracie family.
Alvaro Barreto (Born 1941): Alvaro Barreto received his 9th-degree red belt from Helio Gracie and Carlos Gracie Sr.
Alvaro is respected for his contributions to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as an instructor, competitor, and promoter, and his impact continues to be felt in the BJJ community.
Carlos Rosado (Born 1950): Carlos Rosado was promoted to the 9th-degree red belt by his teacher Carlson Gracie.
Carlos Rosado is recognized as the youngest to receive this rank.
Relson Gracie (Born 1953): Relson Gracie is the second-oldest son of Helio Gracie. He earned his 9th-degree red belt from Helio Gracie, his father.
Relson is known for his focus on the self-defense aspect of BJJ and has trained many top students over the years.
Carlos Gracie Jr. (Born 1956): Carlos Gracie Jr. is another 9th-degree red belt holder, promoted to the rank by the IBJJF which he helped establish.
Carlos Gracie Jr. is known for his contribution to modern BJJ and for founding Gracie Barra, one of the largest BJJ teams in the world.
Conclusion
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the red belt is the highest rank a person can achieve. It is a symbol of lifelong dedication, hard work, and a deep understanding of the art. While most people aim for the black belt, the red belt is a rare and special achievement that only a few will ever reach.
FQAs
1. Who has a 10th degree Red Belt?
There are seven people who have 10th degree red belts: Carlos Gracie Sr., Helio Gracie, Oswaldo Gracie, George Gracie, Gastão Gracie Jr., Oswaldo Fadda, and Luiz França Filho. All of these people have passed away, and none are alive today.
2. What is the Order of the BJJ Belts?
The order of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) belts for adults is as follows: white, blue, purple, brown, and black. After achieving a black belt, there are additional ranks: the black belt can progress from the 1st to the 6th degree, followed by the red-and-black belt for the 7th degree, the red-and-white belt for the 8th degree, and finally, the 9th and 10th degrees are represented by the red belt.
3. Is there a 12 degree black belt in BJJ?
No, there is no 12 or 11 degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), the height and final belt in BJJ is 10 degree red belt.
You Maybe Like:
One Comment