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Step 1
Recognize the ranks in Brazilian jiu-jitsu by noting that a separate system is used for students under the age of 16. Each colored belt corresponds to a level of skill, and a mastering of certain techniques. Beginning students are given a white belt, with the ranks moving through yellow, orange and then green.
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Step 2
Recognize the ranks for adult students by the color of the belt that is worn around the waist of the uniform, or gi. Students over the age of 15 also start with a white belt, but then move to the blue, followed by purple, brown and black belts.
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Step 3
Identify the white stripes on the colored belts that are used to differentiate skill levels within each rank. Generally, 1 through 4 horizontal stripes can be found on the belt of each student, with the fourth stripe being the last to be rewarded before a new rank is assigned.
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Step 4
Earn a black belt by mastering all the techniques and winning all your competitions. Unlike many other martial arts disciplines, Brazilian jiu-jitsu does not promote the rank of a fighter through any type of formal testing, but from results in practice and competition. Black belts are further differentiated by degrees, ranging from the first to the seventh, but the solid black belt is used for each level.
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Step 5
Receive a black belt with a single red stripe to recognize that you have reached the eighth degree. This level is usually only reached after many years, and often requires that you have offered instruction in Brazilian jiu-jitsu as well.
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Step 6
Recognize the ultimate rank in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which is a red belt worn by ninth and tenth-degree black belts. In the 100 years since the inception of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, only a handful of practitioners have been skilled enough to wear the red belt.
