Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is unique compared to many martial arts because progress through the belt system takes time, dedication, and consistent growth on and off the mats. Belts don’t just represent skill—they represent perseverance, character, and knowledge gained throughout your journey.
Let’s break down how belts and stripes work for kids and adults, what the system looks like, and how we approach promotions here at Veritas Jiu Jitsu in Edmond.
Kids’ Belt System
Children under 16 follow a different progression than adults. Kids’ belts allow them to stay motivated with achievable goals while they learn and develop.
Kids’ Belt Order (ages 4–15):
White
Grey/White → Solid Grey → Grey/Black
Yellow/White → Solid Yellow → Yellow/Black
Orange/White → Solid Orange → Orange/Black
Green/White → Solid Green → Green/Black
Most schools award stripes on kids’ belts to mark progress between promotions, but each academy may stripe and test differently. While gyms follow the same overall guidelines, expectations for attendance, performance, and attitude can vary.
At Veritas Jiu Jitsu in Edmond, we test our kids once a month. Each belt has 12 stripes:
4 white stripes
4 red stripes
4 gold stripes
Once a child earns all 12 stripes, they move on to the next belt. This system allows kids to see steady progress, stay motivated, and build confidence along their journey.
Here’s a simple way to think about the kids’ belts:
White Belt: Survival — Learning the words.
Just starting out, kids are focused on listening, paying attention, and learning the basics.
Grey Belt: Building Sentences.
Now that they know the words, they begin putting techniques together. They can connect moves and start to understand how things flow.
Yellow Belt: Telling Short Stories.
At this stage, kids have a broader knowledge of techniques. They’re starting to show confidence, make choices, and build their own style of Jiu Jitsu.
Orange Belt: Writing Chapters.
With more experience, they begin to sharpen details and think ahead. Their Jiu Jitsu is becoming more complete and well-rounded.
Green Belt: Preparing for the Big Story.
The highest kids’ rank before moving into adult belts. Green belts have a solid understanding of fundamentals and are preparing to transition into the adult system at age 16.
But just like each Jiu Jitsu journey is unique, every promotion is a little different. Instructors take into account not only skill but also effort, attitude, and growth.
Adult Belt System
Adults progress more slowly through ranks since belts represent deeper technical understanding, live application, and often years of dedication.
Adult Belt Order (ages 16+):
White
Blue
Purple
Brown
Black
Adult Belt Order (ages 16+):
White Belt: Survival — Learning the words.
The beginning of the journey. At white belt, students focus on surviving, understanding positions, and building awareness. It’s like learning the alphabet in a new language—you’re laying the foundation.
Blue Belt: Attacks — Putting words into sentences.
At this stage, you begin to combine techniques, build offense, and apply your knowledge. You’re not just surviving anymore—you’re starting to “speak” the language of Jiu Jitsu.
Purple Belt: Your Story — Building paragraphs.
Purple belts begin to find their own style, shaping a unique Jiu Jitsu game that works best for them. This is the creative phase, where your personal story starts to take form.
Brown Belt: Writing a Thesis.
A time of refinement and precision. At brown belt, you’re polishing the details, tightening your game, and preparing for the responsibilities of a black belt.
Black Belt: Effortless Poetry — The book is just beginning.
Mastery of movement, timing, and flow. At black belt, Jiu Jitsu becomes beautiful, efficient, and deeply expressive. But it’s not the end—it’s the beginning of a new chapter, where you continue to learn, teach, and inspire.
Like kids, adults may also receive up to 4 stripes per belt. Stripes for adults typically recognize:
Time on the mats
Technical growth
Application in sparring
Consistency and dedication
The belt system is about more than just color—it’s about the journey. Stripes and belts are milestones, not finish lines. At Veritas Jiu Jitsu, we honor each step of progress, whether it’s a child earning their very first stripe or an adult working toward their black belt.
Every promotion is earned, and every promotion is different. That’s what makes the journey so meaningful.