Those new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training generally have many questions about the martial art. One of the most commonly asked questions is how long does it take to get a BJJ blue belt?
Not only how long, but how they can get their BJJ blue belt faster.
In this article, we discuss how long it takes to get a blue belt in BJJ and give you our top tips on how to get your blue belt faster.
Let’s dive in.
What is a BJJ blue belt?
A BJJ blue belt is the very first promotion within the adult colored belt ranks. Even though it’s just the first promotion, it’s a rather special one that signifies a few different things.
Perform basic techniques
As a BJJ blue, you have shown the ability to perform basic BJJ techniques. You’re not a master at them by any means, but you can perform that at a decent level.
Have a basic understanding of BJJ
Not only can you perform basic techniques, but you also have a basic understanding of how they work. Understanding things like why keeping good posture inside someone’s guard is essential or not to give up space holding side-mount.
BJJ Blue Belts Are No Beginners
Probably the most important thing that a BJJ blue belt signifies is that you’re no longer just a beginner. You have put a lot of time and effort into beginning to craft your own Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game. The journey is just beginning, but a blue belt signifies that you’re becoming a serious BJJ practitioner.
How Long Does It Take To Get A BJJ Blue Belt?
Earning a BJJ blue belt will take an average time of about one to two years. Some BJJ schools will promote white belts after a year, while others may wait over two years to promote white belts. Your time as a white belt will really depend on what BJJ school you’re training in and your level of commitment.
BJJ Techniques That Every BJJ Blue Belt Should Know
To earn a BJJ blue belt, you must show that you can perform various basic techniques. Here is a list of some of the basic techniques and movements that you will need to know.
Basic BJJ Movements
- Breakfalls
- Technical Stand-Ups
- Front Rolls
- Back Rolls
- Granby Rolls
- Elbow Escapes
- Bridges
Guard Passes
- Open Closed Guard
- Open Guard Pass
- Half Guard Pass
- Butterfly Guard Pass
- De La Riva Pass
- Spider Guard Pass
BJJ Submissions
- Rear Naked Choke
- Guillotine Choke
- Americana
- Kimura
- Armbar
- Triangle
- Omoplata
- Gi Chokes
BJJ Sweeps
- Scissor Sweep
- Hip Bump Sweep
- Half Guard Sweep
- Butterfly Sweep
- DLR Sweep
- Spider Guard Sweep
Holding Dominant Positions
Know how to hold and control properly:
- Mount
- Back Mount
- Side-Mount
Takedowns & Throws
- Single Leg
- Double Leg
- Judo Throws/Trips
5 Tips For Getting Your BJJ Blue Belt Faster
If you want to earn your BJJ blue belt at a faster rate, there are ways that you can achieve this. Here are five tips to help you get your BJJ blue belt faster.
Train Consistently
If you want anything in life, you will commit and go for it full force. That means if you want to get a BJJ blue belt faster, you will have to train consistently.
You will need to attend BJJ class every day if you wish to earn a blue belt in a quicker time period. Train consistently, never miss a day of Jiu Jitsu, and you’ll be on track to get a BJJ blue belt fast.
Compete In BJJ Competitions
To get experience and develop your game, it would be a good idea to compete in BJJ competitions regularly. You don’t have to compete in every competition, just enough to gain experience and confidence.
When you do this, your instructor will see you’re serious about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and will remember this before belt promotions.
Focus On Your Recovery
It isn’t only important to train consistently; you must also focus on your recovery. BJJ training can be addictive, but it’s easy to run yourself into the ground with overtraining.
That is why listening to your body and taking days off when necessary is essential. Doing this will help you train longer, progress faster, and lower the risk of injury.
Don’t Get Injured
Talking of injuries. One big tip that we can give you is not to get injured. That seems like something rather obvious and not really a tip, but we’ll explain.
A lot of times, the reason a BJJ white belt gets hurt is because of their own doing. Lots of white belts go too hard during training and get themselves hurt.
That’s why if you’re a white belt, you need to slow yourself down and try to be more technical. Doing this will allow you to stay on the mat and avoid injuries that will prolong your time as a white belt.
Be A Good Training Partner
You may not realize it, but there is another quality that your instructor looks for other than your ability and attendance. That is the content of your character and if you are a good training partner.
It is your duty to improve yourself, and you should also aid your teammates around you. Being a good training partner helps you get promoted at all ranks and not just to a BJJ blue belt.
3 Reasons You Won’t Get A BJJ Blue Belt
We have already discussed how you can get your BJJ blue belt faster, but below, we will discuss some things hindering your BJJ Blue belt promotion. Here are three reasons why you won’t get promoted.
Not Training BJJ Consistently
You will need to train consistently if you want to be promoted to any rank in BJJ. If you’re not training weekly, don’t expect to be given a blue belt when promotions come.
Training Incorrectly
It isn’t just that you go to class consistently, but you also have to train correctly. By that, we mean that when you’re in class, you drill the techniques and not just do your own thing.
Training incorrectly includes doing things like barely drilling, going full force in live rolling, and training sloppily. If you train inefficiently like this, your instructor will hold it against you during promotions.
Not Checking Your Ego
Some BJJ white belts have trouble checking their ego before they come to class. Having an ego or bad attitude is not how BJJ students should conduct themselves. Not only won’t you receive a BJJ blue belt, but you also probably won’t be learning Jiu Jitsu for very long.
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Does It Matter When I Earn My BJJ Blue Belt?
Honestly, it doesn’t matter when you earn a BJJ blue belt in the grand scheme of things. You will earn your blue belt if you train consistently, listen to your instructor, and ensure you don’t get injured.
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