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HOW DANGEROUS IS A BJJ BLUE BELT?

By Benjamin Strusnik, May 25, 2022

The first adult promotion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the blue belt, this is an extremely important belt rank in the grand scheme of BJJ, as it is a stage where the student is finally off of their training wheels. Breaking out of the beginner phase will often lead to a student finding their own game style at the blue belt level. Practitioners can spend quite a long time as a beginner, so when a student is promoted to the blue belt level it is an exciting achievement.

What This Article Covers:

When a student reaches the blue belt level they will often become considerably dangerous grapplers. To the white belts they are insurmountable, and to the higher belts above they have a hunger and a will to excel. Blue belts will become the hunters and constantly seek to destroy all of the higher belts in their academy. With the promotion to blue usually comes a thirst for competition, as students at this level begin battling opponents at every opportunity possible.

5X World Champion Bernardo Faria is here to share the Foundations of BJJ to help you speed up your learning curve!

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WHAT MAKES A BLUE BELT DANGEROUS

Blue belts can become very dangerous competitors on the training mats, as they have now stepped out of the beginner phase. Reaching the second level in BJJ will usually give them a considerable drive to become recognised by their instructors. They will start to hunt down many of the higher belts and begin catching submissions, as this will become an exhilarating time for a student.

Earning a new belt level means the student has grasped the fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu, as they are now ready to refine their technical abilities. A blue belt can become obsessed with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and start to find a new level beyond their initial expectations. Once they begin catching higher belts in submissions, their confidence will only rise making them a significant threat on the competition and training mats. Blue belts are relatively fresh to BJJ and have still got a hunger to climb the ranking ladder. So compared to a higher belt who has spent a considerable amount of time within the Martial Art, a blue belt will be a deadly athlete looking to showcase their new skill set.

In today's grappling scene students are making quite a reputation for themselves fighting in No Gi tournaments like ADCC, Polaris and Fight 2 Win. The No Gi grappling style is becoming significantly more dangerous due to the rise of advanced submissions like heel hooks and toe holds. Now with many tournaments allowing blue belts to use that same ruleset, it is no wonder blue belts are incredibly dangerous on the mats. Some people would ask are there belts in no gi bjj, and even though no belts are worn during No Gi competitions, the No Gi competitor is still ranked by belt colour.

DEMYSTIFYING THE RANKS: HOW HIGH IS A BLUE BELT IN JIU-JITSU

In the progression hierarchy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the blue belt is the second adult rank, following the white belt. While it's considered a beginner-intermediate level, earning a blue belt is a significant milestone in a BJJ practitioner's journey. It symbolizes that a student has moved beyond the very basics and has developed a respectable understanding of the art.

However, when looking at the overall belt ranking in BJJ, the blue belt isn't high, but it is crucial. After the blue belt, a practitioner progresses to the purple, brown, and ultimately the black belt, with each rank requiring years of dedicated practice. The blue belt is a stepping stone to these advanced ranks, demonstrating that the student has a firm grasp on BJJ fundamentals and is prepared for more complex and refined study of the martial art. While the path to higher ranks is steep and challenging, the blue belt signifies the unwavering resolve and burgeoning technical prowess necessary to scale those heights.

ENTERING THE ARENA: THE BJJ BLUE BELT TOURNAMENT EXPERIENCE

Participation in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Blue Belt tournament marks a pivotal moment in a grappler's journey. The thrill of the tournament environment, with its heightened intensity and adrenaline rush, sets a new stage for blue belts to test their mettle against a diverse pool of equally driven competitors.

The BJJ Blue Belt Tournament provides an unparalleled platform for blue belts to showcase their skills, employing intricate strategies honed on the training mats. It is an arena where a blue belt's theoretical knowledge, technical prowess, and sheer will converge to overcome their opponents. Competing in a blue belt tournament not only fast-tracks their progress but also sharpens their ability to perform under pressure. Thus, the tournament experience inevitably pushes blue belts closer to their next promotion, shaping them into more formidable athletes in the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

UNRAVELLING THE NUMBERS: HOW MANY BJJ BLUE BELTS ARE THERE

The exact count of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) blue belts worldwide is challenging to ascertain due to the dynamic nature of the sport and its rapid growth across the globe. The BJJ community continues to expand, with practitioners training in myriad academies, from remote locales to bustling urban centres.

While there's no official tally of blue belts, it's widely accepted within the BJJ community that this rank has one of the highest populations in the sport. The blue belt signifies a substantial step up from the beginner's white belt, with practitioners often spending several years at this level honing their skills, building a robust technical foundation, and navigating their personal grappling style. The large number of blue belts reflects the immense dedication and resilience required to transcend the novice phase in BJJ, earning them a unique recognition within the martial art's global fraternity.

THE SHOWDOWN: BJJ BLUE BELT VS AVERAGE PERSON

A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Blue Belt, when compared to an average person with no martial arts training, is a force to be reckoned with. A BJJ blue belt symbolizes a significant level of competence in grappling techniques, a sharp tactical mind, and a thorough understanding of positional control and submissions.

In a hypothetical confrontation, the average person would find it extremely challenging to deal with a BJJ blue belt. The blue belt's comprehensive knowledge of leverage, joint manipulation, and body positioning gives them a strategic edge in ground fights, a situation where most untrained individuals flounder. Thus, a BJJ blue belt's technical prowess and strategic acumen make them considerably more formidable in physical engagements compared to the average person. Their ability to control, subdue, or neutralize an opponent is a testament to the power and efficacy of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

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DO BLUE BELTS END UP BECOMING BLACK BELTS

The path of a blue belt can most definitely lead towards a black belt promotion, but the journey is not always an easy one. Beginners will often wonder how many bjj black belts are there, as their curiosity can light a spark inside them and drive them towards success. Once a student earns a blue belt in BJJ they will soon realise that they can achieve anything, as their level of inspiration has hit an all time high.

Blue belts will need to double down on their mat time, as a need for an improved technical proficiency is how they will rise up through the coloured belt ranks. The catalyst for reaching the black belt level goes far beyond having an extensive knowledge and an exceptional practical skill, it is all about the battle itself. Students will need to jump in the deep end and roll with everyone, this includes testing themselves against the higher belts and refining their systems against the lower belts. It will become considerably clear to a blue belt how they will need to train in order to climb the ranking ladder in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Not all blue belts will make it to the black belt level, as students will often stagnate or even quit at this stage of their BJJ journey. Statistics have shown that not many blue belts actually make it all the way to the final belt. Sometimes life can be a huge factor, as many students will run into adversity like injuries or life changes. Some students will hop from club to club, meaning they could miss valuable insights and gradings along the way. Some students will feel like the blue belt level is an achievement enough, so they will be content with staying at that level. Whichever path a blue belt chooses they will only reach that final level by showing commitment and continuity along with some significant technical skills.

HOW TO EARN THE BLUE BELT IN BJJ

Many beginners will start off their grappling journey by being extremely tentative, as they are usually unaware of the principles involved within the art. Before a student can think about the next level they must first wrap their minds around the basics. Beginners will wonder how long are you a white belt in bjj, and the answer is in the eye of the beholder. This means that each individual is responsible for how fast they can progress, they must adapt to the learning processes involved with all of the Jiu Jitsu movements.

Learning fundamental techniques in BJJ is the key to building a great foundation for Jiu Jitsu. Students will practice many techniques and try to understand a vast array of concepts, which will give them a pathway to build a solid BJJ game. Along with all of the technical facets of grappling, there are other factors that will enhance a student's chances of moving up the ranks. Students must show humility, integrity and good sportsmanship because a good attitude towards BJJ is the only way they will receive their next belt level. Beginners will find out what percentage of bjj white belts quit the sport, as they will use this information to excel or fail in their attempts to progress.

In most cases all a student has to do is work hard, show consistency, build their fundamental skills, prove themselves to be of good character and they will be promoted to the blue belt level. Another aspect that can help a student progress is the competition process. Students that put themselves out on a limb and embrace the culture of competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments, will often fast track themselves towards an upgrade to the blue belt rank.

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ARE BLUE BELTS MORE DEADLY IF THEY BEGIN AS A JUNIOR

There is a significant difference between a blue belt that has started as a junior compared to one who has started as an adult white belt. When an adult starts their BJJ journey they are often overweight, unfit or out of touch with the fitness and agility needed for the sport. Even after they begin to understand the intricacies involved and they put those movements into practice, it is quite common to see the beginner move up to the blue belt level after approximately two years. Even though the promotion is well deserved, it is also hard to become extremely gifted in BJJ after such a short amount of training.

When a child begins Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at an early age, they are subjected to the youth Jiu Jitsu belt ranking system. When a child goes through the rigorous belt ranking system they will accumulate a comprehensive set of skills over a period of ten years. So when a child receives their blue belt at the age of sixteen it is an assurity that they are extremely technical and have a ferocious Jiu Jitsu game style. Children go through thirteen different coloured belts, which gives the young students an easier way to track their progression and set more achievable goals. Usually a child that becomes a blue belt is much more dangerous in the technical sense, all they are waiting for now is their body to catch up.

THE NOVICE HUNTERS: NEW BLUE BELT BJJ

Becoming a new Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a rewarding yet challenging step. This promotion indicates that a student has grasped the sport's fundamental techniques and can apply them effectively in various situations. A new blue belt is a testament to hard work, consistency, and an increasing tactical understanding of BJJ.

New blue belts often embody a blend of excitement and anxiety, eager to test their improved skill set against higher belts. They are considered the hunters of the mat, relentlessly seeking to overcome more experienced opponents. This stage also witnesses a significant drive in practitioners to be recognized by their instructors and peers, pushing them to embrace more rigorous training and frequent competition. Furthermore, the new blue belt stage is typically where students start developing their own unique game styles, blending learned techniques with personal preferences and physical strengths. Even as they celebrate their progress, new blue belts understand that their journey has only just begun. They are now set on a more intense path of growth, refining their skills, enhancing their resilience, and steadily climbing the BJJ ranking ladder.

WHAT ARE THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS THAT GO INTO BEING A BLUE BELT

There are certain requirements that a student must have in order to wear a blue belt around their waist. These technical movements will vary at different academies under different coaches, but their essence is the same. Students will need to fully understand the major positions like guard, mount, side control and back control. They should have also developed different ways to escape each of these dominant positions. Students should also have a considerable amount of knowledge of how to escape and defend certain submissions. It is also important to understand how to maintain good body pressure, this includes having an understanding of posture, crossface, underhooks and overhooks.

It is extremely important that blue belts are highly functional at retaining their guard. This means having an ability to get back to their guard from bad positions like the mount or side control. If a blue belt wants to head towards their next belt level then they must have a good guard game, this includes using a half guard and a knee shield. Another important aspect for a student at level two is their passing game. Understanding how to break guard and then utilise knee staples or back steps to carve through an opponent's guard is a skill they will need to develop.

At the blue belt level the student will also need to have a good understanding of the grip game. Setting up dominant grips and knowing when to reposition their grips, this also means understanding how to break grips. It is also important to have a good stand up game, practitioners at this level will need to be able to hold their own in the stand up battle and have a couple of takedowns in their arsenal. Blue belts should also have a good sweeping game and a deadly submission game, although they don't need to know everything they should have a few go to moves in each category. Blue belts should be starting to piece together their overall game style as they head towards the purple belt level.

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DOES COMPETING MAKE BLUE BELTS MORE DANGEROUS

When a blue belt athlete decides to enter the competitive arena they will soon find out what they are made of. Competing against other athletes from other gyms is the best way to battle test a student's Jiu Jitsu game. There is no comparison to fighting in the centre of the competition mats, it is the closest a student will get to a real fight scenario. Students that show bravery and put themselves out there are sure to progress faster than other members in their academy. When a student is exposed to the ferociousness of competitive Jiu Jitsu, they will begin to adapt and become much more resilient within themselves.

A competitive BJJ student will soon become accustomed to the highly vigorous pace of the competition scene. Usually competitors are harder to roll inside their own academy, this is mainly due to their constant repetition of appearances at the competitive level. Competitors have a will to win and this translates into them training harder and smarter, as a non competitor is mainly training as a hobby. Blue belts will always have a need to improve as they are constantly seeking the next promotion, so using the competition platform is a great way to do this.

Let Jiu Jitsu world champion Bernardo Faria lay the groundwork for your road to black belt!

So it is quite easy to say that a blue belt is considerably more dangerous when they are chasing victory at the competition level. Blue belts become natural hunters as they are no longer a beginner, but are chasing the next belt level. They are still young in the belt and have an eagerness to reach the higher levels of BJJ. They are consistently looking to impress their coaches by chasing down the higher belts at their academy, this is why a blue belt is considered a danger in the world of grappling.

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