We often get asked the question “How long will it take for someone to get to a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu?” and the answer to that is more complicated to answer. Typically the journey to a black belt in BJJ will take someone about 10 years but some people achieve it faster or slower depending on their specific circumstances.
How Long To Get Black Belt in BJJ
The short answer to this question is about 7 – 15 years depending on several things. When training BJJ a lot of people will run into hardships in their career, typically occurring at the white, blue, or maybe purple belt stage. Depending on your specific circumstance and how much time you put on the mats you can see this happen as fast as 7 years or as long as 15 years.
Our coach, Alex Martinez reached the rank of black belt in a seven-year time frame, while people like Mo Jassim, the man behind ADCC, took close to 20 years to get to the top. Probably the biggest indicator that shows that someone will make it to this stage is just the sheer tenacity someone has to change who they are as a human.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not an easy sport by any means and it will not get any easier. A lot of people started this sport because they heard it was a life-changing experience. Those that come in for the reason of wanting to reach new heights as a human are more likely to reach the black belt than those that are just after the belts and glory.
Asking the Right Question
We believe that if you are asking the question “How long does it take to get to a black belt in BJJ?” you are asking the wrong question. The question you should be asking yourself when you sign up for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu should be who you want to become.
Who Do You Want to Be?
Jiu Jitsu is a sport that we believe is the greatest tool for self-improvement. We are not alone in this line of thinking either. The likes of Jocko Willink, Joe Rogan, and Lex Fridman are all on record speaking about how much BJJ has changed their lives for the better. Each year more and more people are realizing the benefits that come from this sport and it is amazing to witness.
Do you want to be someone who finishes things that they start? Or maybe you want to be calm under pressure. Possibly someone who shows great levels of discipline in their diet, lifestyle, and workout routine. All of this is possible.
Getting to the highest stage in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a lifelong pursuit that will be worth it for those that make it. It is an amazing thing to shoot for if you are starting but it is important to stay focused on the important things that will change along the way. Your effort, dedication, and discipline will be the things that get you to this level the fastest!
Happy Rolling, See You At The Top!
