A Detailed Guide to the Kids Jiu-Jitsu Belts Ranking System

Are you worried about your child's overall well-being? looking to engage your kid in a healthy workout? Or perhaps you're a young Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, enthusiastic about advancing to the belt ranks like every other BJJ practitioner? Whatever your targeted spot is, a proper understanding of the kid's Jiu-Jitsu belt ranking system is essential for anyone who is looking to enroll his or her kids in BJJ. 

This comprehensive guide breaks down each belt, from the first step which is a white belt to the ultimate achievement - the green belt. It also delves into the often misunderstood topic of stripes and provides a clearer understanding of how they work within the kid's Jiu-Jitsu ranking system. So, read every word attentively, and get ready to become an expert on the full particulars of the kid's Jiu-Jitsu belt rank system.

1. BJJ and Kids

The art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not just for grown-up adults but also for the kids. In fact, you can say,  it's a perfect fit for kids! BJJ provides a healthy way for kids to develop confidence, discipline, and physical fitness under a roof. BJJ also teaches your kids valuable self-defense skills with a focus on grappling and ground fighting. So whether you are seeking to make your child a future grappling champion or just looking for a physical fun activity to keep him healthy and active, BJJ is a superb adapter for kids of all ages.

2. BJJ Belt Ranking System For Kids

The kid's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt system is a unique and vibrant way to tribute a journey of hard work, and enthusiasm of young grapplers.

However, IBJJF introduced the belt ranking system in Jiu-Jitsu for the appreciation and encouragement of little athletes on the mat. The main motive in awarding the child the high-rank belt on each step is to embolden them. As children progress through the ranks and earn their updated colored belts, they'll feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in their achievements.

Unlike the adult BJJ belt system, kids can expect faster promotions and a wider range of belts to strive for. However, it takes years of hard work to reach from the lowest (white belt) to the kids highest rank green belt.

In addition, each milestone motivates the children and boosts their stamina to stay adhered to the grappling ground for getting promoted. This ranking system also drives the journey of endless opportunities for the growth and development of the kids.

3. How Many Kids BJJ Belt Ranks Are There?

For all students under the age of 16, kids' BJJ belt system is an ideal and sorted track for optimum progress. Starting from the universal white belt, BJJ kid’s belt system diverges into its own range of colors and levels. SJJIF’s (Sport Jiu-Jitsu International Federation) certified black belt professionals have the authority to promote young grapplers. There are 13 belt ranks for the kids Jiu-Jitsu. And these ranks are mandatory to level up the skillsets of young grapples.

1. White Belt
2. White Striped Gray Belt
3. Gray Belt
4. Black Striped Gray Belt
5. Yellow Belt with White Stripe
6. Yellow Belt
7. Yellow Belt with Black Stripe
8. White Striped Orange Belt
9. Orange Belt
10. Orange Belt with Black Stripe
11. Green Belt with White Stripe
12. Green Belt
13. Green Belt with Black Stripe

4. Stripes Promotion System In Kids Jiu-Jitsu Belts

In BJJ kids division, belt’s color are standardized while advancement in stripes are not. The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) does not officially recognize stripes as ranks, but they do recommend their use as regular promotions can help keep young practitioners motivated.

4.1. White Belt

White belt is the first achievement a child gets after starting his Jiu-Jitsu journey. It is the first step in progress toward the path of success in BJJ. The main objective of white belt students is to learn defensive skills on the mat. A kid can get the first belt (White Belt) after fulfilling the following requirements:

Minimum Age	No minimum Age
Skill Level	Beginner
Minimum Time Required in Grade	6 months Training from the Beginning

4.2. White Striped Gray Belt

The journey to the gray belt is a three-step process, starting with the grey/white belt, moving on to the solid grey belt, and finally reaching the gray/black belt. After setting a brilliant record in the white belt division, kids are promoted to white stripe gray belts, which is the first colored belt in kid’s division.

This progression allows little grapplers to track their progress and see the fruits of their hard work as they continue on their BJJ journey. The minimum age requirements to get a white striped gray belt are:

Minimum Age	4 Years
Skill Level	Intermediate
Minimum Time Required in Grade	8 Months Training in the Previous Belt

4.3. Solid Gray Belt

The next level of achievement for kids is getting a solid gray belt from their coaches. Receiving the gray belt on the mat signifies that the kids learned a multitude of techniques and have begun to build a stronger understanding of the basics of Jiu-Jitsu. Young grapplers attain their gray belt when they met the following requirements:

Minimum Age	5 Years
Skill Level	Intermediate
Minimum Time Required in Grade	8 Months Training in the Previous Belt

4.4. Black Striped Gray Belt

When gray belt kids master the new techniques with each passing class, they are well on their way to becoming true masters of the grappling world. The consistent efforts and buckle-down performance of the children help them to achieve the black-striped gray belt.

Minimum Age	6 Years
Skill Level	Intermediate
Minimum Time Required in Grade	8 Months Training in the Previous Belt

4.5. Yellow Belt with White Stripe

The next milestone to achieve is the white stripe yellow belt. Just like with the other kids' BJJ belts, there are three variations of yellow belts. Starting with the yellow/white belt, students then move on to the yellow belt, and finally, they reach the yellow/black belt.

The advancement in belt level boosts the morale and confidence of young Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. The minimum requirements to attain the yellow/white belt level are

Minimum Age	7 Years
Skill Level	Intermediate
Minimum Time Required in Grade	8 Months Training in the Previous Belt

4.6. Solid Yellow Belt

The journey to the solid yellow belt in kids' Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu marks a significant milestone for young students. Yellow belt children have learned the basics and are ready to delve more in-depth into the BJJ techniques.

Minimum Age	8 Years
Skill Level	Intermediate
Minimum Time Required in Grade	8 Months Training in the Previous Belt

4.7. Yellow Belt with Black Stripe

Having mastered the fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu, yellow belt fighters started to learn more refined Jiu-Jitsu techniques and strategies. Their skills and understanding of the sport are constantly growing that pave their way to achieving the black-striped yellow belt. The young grapplers are promoted to yellow/black belt after reaching the following skill level and age:

Minimum Age	9 Years
Skill Level	Intermediate
Minimum Time Required in Grade	8 Months Training in the Previous Belt

4.8. White Striped Orange Belt

The next step of kids' BJJ belts are associated with the bright orange color belts. The minimum requirements for acquiring the orange belt having a horizontal white stripe are

Minimum Age	10 Years
Skill Level	Advanced
Minimum Time Required in Grade	8 Months Training in the Previous Belt

4.9. Solid Orange Belt

The next level of appreciation for the kids on the mat is receiving the orange belt. For young students of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, reaching the rank of orange belt marks a noteworthy achievement. These ranks help the students to refine their skills with each passing class.

Minimum Age	11 Years
Skill Level	Advanced
Minimum Time Required in Grade	8 Months Training in the Previous Belt

4.10. Orange Belt with Black Stripe

The little BJJ practitioners advanced to black stripe orange belt after securing outstanding records in the orange belt division. With a deep understanding of the sport and mastery of Jiu-Jitsu techniques, orange belts with a horizontal black stripe on them signify a true struggle of little grapplers toward their goals.

The black stripe on the bright orange belt also shows that their skills and understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are constantly growing, and they are well on their way to becoming proficient grapplers.

Minimum Age	12 Years
Skill Level	Advanced
Minimum Time Required in Grade	8 Months Training in the Previous Belt

4.11. Green Belt with White Stripe

Green belt ranking starts with the green/white belt, students are then promoted to the solid green belt, and finally, they advance to the green/black belt. A BJJ practitioner is able to get the green belt with a white stripe after reaching the requirements mentioned below:

Minimum Age	13 Years
Skill Level	Advanced
Minimum Time Required in Grade	8 Months Training in the Previous Belt

4.12. Green Belt

The promotion to green belt marks a spectacular achievement for kids practitioners. As experts in their age group, green belts have mastered all aspects of the sport and are considered to be highly skilled in the BJJ kids division.

Minimum Age	14 Years
Skill Level	Advanced
Minimum Time Required in Grade	8 Months Training in the Previous Belt

4.13. Green Belt with Black Stripes

The highest rank of Jiu-Jitsu belts in the category of little grapplers is a green belt with black stripes. The deep understanding of the art and mastery of advanced Jiu-Jitsu techniques advanced the great little champs on the mat. Green/black belt is the higher rank in the kid's green belt ranking system which shows that they have dedicated countless hours to learning and perfecting their skills, and their hard work has paid off in the form of this coveted rank.

Minimum Age	15 Years
Skill Level	Advanced
Minimum Time Required in Grade	8 Months Training in the Previous Belt

So, whether you're just starting out as a white belt or are pleasingly on your way to a green belt, keep pushing forward and never stop learning the exciting techniques of Jiu-Jitsu.

4.14. Requirement for Stripes Promotion

Stripes promotion is directly related to the child's performance and evaluation of coaches. The number of stripes ranges from 5 to 11 that depends upon the rule of the particular institution.  However, these are the requirements that enable the children to add one stripe per month on their BJJ Gi’s belts.

• Maintained Proper Discipline in the Class
• Consistent Progress in Learning Jiu-Jitsu Techniques
• Improved Communication Skills
• Maintained Monthly Attendance 

5. Why Do Kids Join Jiu-Jitsu Classes? - Benefits of BJJ for Kids

5.1. Boosts Kids' Confidence

Building a child's confidence is like planting a seed that will grow into a powerful oak, providing strength and resilience for the rest of their lives. BJJ is the perfect recipe for helping your kids in building their confidence and self-esteem while mustering physical strength and self-defense capabilities.

As they master new techniques, they develop a sense of control over their limbs and become more self-assured and self-aware. And, with each class comes new challenges to overcome, further strengthening their sense of bravery.

5.2. Built And Promote Kid’s Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving skills are crucial for success in life as they enable children to overcome challenges and obstacles in their lives. It’s necessary to develop these skills in your child as your top priority. This will not only shape a child's entire life, boosting their self-confidence, resilience, and critical thinking abilities, but also helping them become effective and creative problem-solvers in their professional and personal lives.

BJJ is the best choice to make your child a good problem solver in his entire life. Because grappling techniques require critical thinking and creativity, making it a valuable tool for developing problem-solving skills. As kids train and learn new techniques, they are forced to think outside the box and find solutions to tricky challenges, provisioning them with the skills they need to succeed later in life.

5.3. Embed and Enhance Socializing Behavior by Eliminating Shyness

Eradicating shyness in the early stages helps kids in building confidence and social skills. Say goodbye to shyness and hello to fearless self-expression! BJJ encourages kids to engage in social interactions, and teamwork with training partners enables them to become less nervous in social meetups. This deeply embedded confidence can help them tackle bullies and strong-arming counterparts with ease.

5.4. Teach Self-Defense to Kids

Kids develop the skills to protect themselves in dangerous situations through practicing BJJ techniques. They learn how to diffuse conflicts peacefully, how to escape holds, and how to handle attacks with minimal injury. This sense of safety is invaluable and can give kids the peace of mind they need to tackle life’s challenges and essential to harness the focus and immaculate concentration.

So, BJJ also provides your kids with valuable self-defense skills that can be used both on and off the mat.

5.5. Promote Discipline & Respect Among Kids From Early Age

Kids learned how to control their emotions and avoid aggressive behavior after attending the BJJ classes. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu also teaches kids the value of respecting others, both on and off the mat. As they watch their coaches interact with dignity and grace, they learn how to emulate that behavior in their own lives.

5.6. BJJ Develops a Sense of Responsibility in Kids

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, children not only gain physical strength and agility, but also develop essential life skills such as responsibility, accountability, and respect. With each class, they are taught the value of hard work and perseverance, building a mindset that will surely help them overcome challenges and achieve success in all areas of their lives.

5.7. BJJ Builds Resilience

BJJ provides kids with a healthy platform to release stress and anxiety, helping them become more resilient in facing life’s challenges. It’s a full-body workout that stimulates the brain and releases endorphins (stress-releasing hormone). The physical and mental demands of the sport also build endurance and mental toughness, making kids better equipped to handle whatever life throws their way.

5.8. Build Stronger Bonds and Promote Teamwork

BJJ is not just about getting stronger and healthier, but also about building a strong bond between peers. Kids who train together learn to rely on each other, support each other, and push each other to become the best versions of themselves.

5.9. Goal Setting

Jiu-Jitsu teaches your children much more than just self-defense. It also helps them to set and achieve their life goals. They set specific goals for themselves and work tirelessly to achieve them, just like they do on the mats. This process of goal setting and hard work can be applied to other areas of their lives, such as academics, decision-making, socializing, and other essential future endeavors.

Jiu-Jitsu also teaches children the value of perseverance. When they struggle with new techniques and movements, they learn that with time and practice, they can overcome any challenge. This lesson is invaluable for children and will help them achieve their dreams and set their life goals with faith and confidence.

6. FAQs

6.1. What is the Length of a Kid Jiu-Jitsu Belt?

The length of a kid's Jiu-Jitsu belt varies depending on the size of the kid. Typically, Jiu-Jitsu belts for kids come in lengths ranging from 72 inches to 96 inches. It's vital to choose the right size belt to ensure comfort and a proper fit for the child during training and competition.

6.2. What Age is Good for Kids to Start Jiu-Jitsu?

Although Jiu-Jitsu is a wonderful martial art for kids of all ages. Generally, children as young as three years old can begin Jiu-Jitsu training. Furthermore, the decision to start Jiu-Jitsu should be based on physical, emotional, and social eagerness, as well as their interest and enthusiasm for combat sports.

6.3. Does Jiu-Jitsu Boost Kid’s Stamina?

Yes, Jiu-Jitsu is a great way to boost a kid's stamina. Jiu-Jitsu training is a full-body workout that builds endurance, strength, and flexibility among young practitioners.

Additionally, Jiu-Jitsu training includes drills and techniques that engage all the muscles of the body, which help children in building strength and improve their stamina over time. Through regular Jiu-Jitsu training, kids develop adequate physical fitness, stamina, and overall health.

7. Conclusion

Summed up, the kids' Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt system is a unique and exciting journey filled with thrilling opportunities for growth. It gives young students a chance to develop their skills and swiftly reach new levels of mastery.

So, understanding the kid's Jiu-Jitsu belt ranking system is important for parents and children before being admitted to any grappling gym. It’s a challenging and unique way to develop essential life skills such as self-defense, teamwork, and problem-solving while also developing physical abilities and improving mental health. The rewards of this magical martial art didn’t stop there. Through the process of earning stripes and belts, children are encouraged to excel, take personal responsibility, and become more confident and resilient individuals for their upcoming life challenges. The Jiu-Jitsu belt ranking system provides a clear and measurable path to progress, making it a valuable tool for any aspiring young child.