When Brazilian Jiu Jitsu first came to the Western world, black belts were a rarity. In fact, at one point even purples were incredibly rare and blue belts had more authority on the mats compared to today. However, since then the popularity of BJJ has exploded and these days black belts are not such a rarity. Having said this, some figures estimate that around 1% of people who start BJJ actually make it to black belt. With this being said, can anyone become a BJJ black belt?
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Crunching the numbers
Roughly 1% of people get to black belt. Whilst this statistic sounds alarming – it isn’t as daunting as it may seem after the numbers are broken down. In short, roughly 1 in 10 people who begin BJJ will make it to blue belt. This roughly takes around 1-3 years of consistent training, but around 90% will drop out before then.
If you include people who have one or two trial lessons, the number is probably even less. However, most people quit during white belt. There’s a number of reasons for this such as injuries, falling out of love with the sport, frustration and some people just don’t enjoy it. Because of this, most won’t make it past the first belt.
From there, roughly 50% of those who get to blue will make it to purple belt. Whilst blue belt is notorious for people quitting, it’s actually at white belt where this happens more than the other colors. However, blue belt is where you are more known in the gym so quitting will leave more of a noticeable impact on your training partners. Again, there’s a variety of reasons for this; some people see blue belt as their main goal, some get injuries and sometimes life gets in the way.
However, from purple onwards, most practitioners actually make it through to black belt. By the time you get to purple belt, you’re in the final 5% of those who started BJJ. This said, if you can make it to this point, you will probably fit the profile to achieve black belt. Of those 5%, some people still quit and again it’s mostly for reasons which have already been addressed, the same applies for brown belt.
With this acknowledged, numerically speaking most people will never make it to black belt. Remember, this is a long journey which usually takes around 10 years to get to on average.
Are black belts special then?
As black belts are roughly in the top percentile of those sticking with BJJ – does this make them special? The answer is no, they are still human beings like everyone else. It’s important not to hero worship black belts as they will still make mistakes like all of us. In short, they aren’t perfect. Usually, it just means they happen to love Jiu Jitsu. Often you can find images of black belts online dressed as sharks or lions with quotes about their honour.
Whilst you should be proud of reaching black belt – the reality is it means you probably love the sport more than most. Of course, black belts often possess qualities such as motivation and discipline but this is only when applied to BJJ. With this in mind, black belts aren’t exactly superheroes, nor are they more intelligent or righteous than others.
Further, they aren’t always the most gifted on the mats. It’s a cliche which is true, but often those who get to black belt are those who weren’t the most naturally gifted. Those who are gifted may find BJJ too easy and quit due to less of a challenge.
However, those who enjoy the struggle of learning are more likely to be attracted to the martial art. Remember, as a lower belt – a black belt may seem immortal when sparring or full of BJJ knowledge. However, they were once a newbie too and it’s true that the best way to learn is to keep showing up. If you do this enough times, you will eventually be a black belt.
To add to this, it’s important to recognise that being a black belt is more of an award for your determination rather than those who are the most skilled. For instance, a top purple belt competitor can probably beat most hobbyist black belts. Does this mean the purple belt should be awarded the black belt? No. It simply means they’re better than most people – however, being a black belt is as much about putting the time in and having the right mentality more than anything.
Developing the fundamentals and creating a game will enhance your progression
Perhaps one of the quickest ways to get to black belt is by understanding and developing the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu. Too often, students can get fascinated with fancy moves that look stylish which have less substance. Learning the basics may be more boring to some, but there’s a reason they’re called fundamentals – it’s because they work. Whilst Roger Gracie is the best example of this, it’s also true of lesser known professors who can effortlessly destroy people without doing anything flash. In short, these moves are tested throughout time and they work.
Another method to follow is in creating a game. For instance, coach Firas Zahabi claims he doesn’t give black belts to those without a distinct game or style. Whilst it’s fun to learn moves and also important, having a few set moves to fall back upon is equally as important. This is because it allows you to use these methods instinctively under stress which is arguably what BJJ is all about. Typically, students should start developing a game around purple belt which carries through to black belt.
What if I don’t compete?
Competing isn’t for everyone and isn’t found in most of the other martial arts. With this said, competing is quite unique to BJJ and can’t really be found so much elsewhere. Because of this, some people often get caught up in the mentality of competing.
Whilst it can be beneficial to compete – it’s simply not for everyone. Not everyone has the time to compete or they just simply don’t want to. This doesn’t necessarily make you worse at BJJ either. Of course, there are certain benefits of competing but these don’t apply to everyone. Interestingly, one of the most famous minds in BJJ has never competed.
This is John Danaher who has coached the likes of Gordon Ryan and Georges St Pierre. If Danaher doesn’t compete does that mean he’s not good at Jiu Jitsu? No, of course he’s good at BJJ and lives and breathes the lifestyle.
Not only this, but being a competitor doesn’t naturally mean you’ll be a good coach either. In short, competing isn’t compulsory for those who get to black belt and in reality, most people don’t really care either. As mentioned in the above section, the mentality of a black belt isn’t to be the very best – instead it mostly represents time and knowledge surrounding the art.
Every journey is different
We’ve already acknowledged what being a black belt means to most. However, an interesting thing about BJJ is the road that is different for everyone. For instance, BJ Penn dedicated his life to training and reached black belt in 3 years and 4 months. This is incredibly quick – but his skills in competition and general knowledge justified this.
Elsewhere, some people can take 20 years to get to black belt. Some people may have 10 years off to focus on family, some may get injured for years and some may travel a lot or train once per week. The result doesn’t really matter as in the end most people who continue training get to the black belt somehow. In some ways, it’s not even about the belt after a point – training is more to do with the culture and enjoyment of the sport.
How to spot a ‘fake black belt’?
It’s natural upon promotion to feel unworthy of your new rank. Imposter syndrome happens and is a reality which many experiences in life and on the mat. Often these thoughts pass after a while when you get more comfortable with your newly achieved status. However, in some cases there have been fake black belts that have been outed on the internet.
In short, black belts can sometimes get tapped by blue belts – especially if they’re playing around during sparring or there’s a huge strength disparity. However, this shouldn’t be a common occurrence if the black belt is trying hard. One of the best ways to spot a fraud is to look at how they complete fundamental moves.
For instance, if they struggle to bridge properly or do something fundamentally wrong then questions can be asked. In more specific terms, looking up someone’s lineage is an easier way to see their credentials. As BJJ is relatively new, it’s still a small community in one sense and so most people’s lineage can be traced back fairly easily. If someone is quiet about the origins of their belt and their lineage is shady then again, red flags should start to appear.
Summary
To answer the original question; yes anyone can become a black belt. Whilst it’s not common – usually, those who get to the rank do so with a combination of enjoyment, discipline and determination. With these three combined there’s a good chance you will get to black.
One example of this is looking towards those with physical disabilities who are able to get the rank. If people with missing limbs can get there, then anyone can and the only barrier is a mental one. Because of this, whilst factors such as injuries and life can and will get in the way – the end result still remains, if you’re committed enough then there’s no reason not to achieve black belt.
