What are the main techniques of each belt in Jiu-Jitsu?

April 19, 2023

Just like life itself, Jiu-Jitsu is an art that requires daily improvement. As progress in training and competitions becomes more noticeable, practitioners earn new belts, which open a new range of moves and techniques at each level.

With that in mind, our team has listed the main techniques for each graduation. It is worth mentioning that the technical individuality of each practitioner will not be taken into account here, only the main precepts of each level by belt. Check out!

White Belt

The beginning of the path consists of perseverance and an increased need for attention. The first moves to be learned and improved at this level are the basics: armbar from the guard, triangle, and rear naked choke. Hip escapes, guard replacements, and basic takedowns also come into play. It's time to practice a lot, repeat each position carefully, and most importantly, learn to enjoy the process.

Blue Belt

One step ahead, we have the survival phase. When you were a white belt, all your teammates tried to teach you how to train. Now, as a blue belt, the real challenge begins. Escaping from uncomfortable positions, managing your energy, and keeping calm are the key factors here. Straight foot locks are also improved, and while they are also applicable at the white belt, they're explored further now, as there's no need to dedicate as much effort to guard pass training.

Purple Belt

The middle ground between beginner and professional, the purple belt doesn't have many differences when it comes to techniques. However, with the experience acquired at the previous graduation, the purple belt avoids takedown attempts and sweeps more easily, leading to better application of submissions. More complicated moves like lapel attacks and back takes are the main difference here. This is also the stage in which important details get more focus, such as not losing the grip on the sleeve or keeping the right distance to open up opportunities to attack.

Brown Belt

The most education-driven level among competitors, the brown belt adds the dangerous leglocks to the equation. It is a complete game-changer when the positions you honed throughout the previous graduations have to be adapted to not leave your feet and legs exposed to attacks. Thus, brown belts are notorious for their awareness and patience, traits that build the foundation for the next step of their journey through BJJ.

Black Belt

After all the previous steps, the athlete reaches their goal: the coveted black belt. As the highest level of competition, the black belt is unforgiving. No movement can be made without thorough assessment, as even the tiniest mistake can be the difference between winning and losing. Attacks must be precise and defenses need to be impenetrable to avoid giving the opponent any opportunities. The physical, mental, and technical aspects are taken to their limits here, with every takedown, sweep, and submission requiring maximum training. As a black belt, your job is to continue improving to execute your game flawlessly.

What do you think, reader? Which Jiu-Jitsu graduation is the most difficult to go through and why? Share your opinion with us on our social media!