How Long Does It Take to Get a Blue Belt in Jiu-Jitsu?
One of the most common questions for new Jiu-Jitsu practitioners is
“How long does it take to get my blue belt?”
Earning a blue belt is a major milestone in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and often the first real step toward mastery. While there’s no fixed timeline, there are several factors that can impact how quickly you earn your blue belt.
Essentially, at One Purpose BJJ our grading criteria requires:
Minimum of 30 classes per stripe on white belt, or 50-65 classes for blue belts to black belts, and
Minimum of 3-6 months per stripe depending on your belt
Once you have achieved 4 stripes on your belt your grading to the next belt will depend on your coach's analysis of your progress.
1. Average Time to Blue Belt: 1-3 Years
For most people, it takes about 1-3 years of consistent training to earn their blue belt. The exact timeline varies depending on how often you train, how quickly you learn the techniques and how dedicated you are to improving your skills.
Different coaches will have different criteria to promote their students. Here are some common criteria:
Mat Time
How much time have you spent on the mats? There is a minimum amount of classes you must attend to become eligible to be awarded your stripes. The first stripe in the white belt is the easiest stripe to achieve. It will take around 20 classes and once you achieve that stripe, you are eligible to attend the intermediate classes from then onwards.
For the next 3 stripes on your white belt, you will be required to attend a minimum of 25 classes per stripe. You must hold your newly award stripe for at least 2 months before becoming eligible for your next stripe.
Once you have all 4 stripes on your white belt, your coach will make an analysis of your progress and speak to you about any required improvement before booking your grading date.
2. Consistency Is Key
The biggest factor in earning a blue belt is consistency. Training regularly helps you develop the muscle memory and technique required to progress through the ranks. It is better to train a few times a week over several years than to train every day for a month and then stop.
Consistent training also helps you understand the principles of Jiu-Jitsu, allowing you to react instinctively rather than overthinking every move. Blue belts are expected to have a good understanding of basic positions, submissions and escapes, which only comes with regular training.
3. Dedication to Learning
With that said, Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just about showing up to class—it’s about actively engaging with the classes. Pay attention during drills, ask questions if you are confused and watch how more experienced students and instructors move.
Practitioners who focus on improving their weaknesses, reviewing techniques after class and rolling with different partners often progress faster. Your path to blue belt isn’t just about time spent on the mats but the quality of that time.
4. Rolling (Sparring) Experience
Sparring, or “rolling,” is one of the most critical parts of your Jiu-Jitsu development. It is during live rolling that you apply the techniques you’ve learned in real-time, adjusting to your opponent’s movements and developing your timing.
Blue belts are expected to be proficient in live rolling situations not just drilling techniques. The more you roll, the more comfortable you’ll become with applying what you've learned under pressure, which is crucial for earning your blue belt.
5. Patience
Earning a blue belt takes time, and it’s important to stay patient. Jiu-Jitsu is a challenging martial art and progress can feel slow at times. There will be periods where you feel stuck, but perseverance is the only key to overcoming these plateaus.
Sticking with it through the tough times, especially when you’re feeling discouraged, is what separates those who earn their blue belt from those who give up. Keep showing up, stay humble and continue working on your weaknesses.
6. What a Blue Belt Represents
A blue belt isn’t just about learning a set of techniques—it represents your ability to defend yourself using Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals. By the time you reach the blue belt, you’ll have a solid understanding of positions like guard, mount and side control, along with basic submissions like armbars and chokes.
Wearing a blue belt around your waist also mean you have developed enough knowledge to hold your own in sparring sessions with more experienced practitioners, while still refining your techniques.
Focus on the Journey
While it’s natural to wonder how long it will take to get your blue belt, it is important to focus on the journey rather than the destination. Earning your blue belt is a major achievement, but the skills and discipline you develop along the way are what truly matter.
Consistency, dedication and a willingness to learn are the most important factors in reaching your blue belt. So, keep training, enjoy the process and before you know it, you'll be tying that blue belt around your waist!
Every journey has a starting point. If you are looking for Jiujitsu specialised gym in Brisbane, One Purpose BJJ has classes suitable for all levels from beginners to competition.
