Getting to Black Belt: Why it takes so long and how to get there quicker!

[@oldercloudify]

48 year-old purple. I’ve had my purple for close to six years (I’ve been training for a decade). I earned my purple in four years because I trained 4-6 days per week. I moved to a RGA gym run by a Danaher black belt. In short, my coach (Aaron Milam) has high standards. I hope to earn my black belt from him at some point, but I am no world beater or anything of the sort. I’m a simple hobbyist who trains four days per week. BJJ is incredibly fun, but it’s also challenging and sometimes disheartening. I can’t keep up with the young guys; they pass my guard with ease, now. With that said, I’m content staying in my lane, learning the moves that the “kids” are doing, and not taking myself too seriously.

[@jo3agle]

I'm in it for the long haul. It's part of me. Started when I was 32, I'm 40 now, blue belt, been in and out because I moved, had kids, career, etc., which I don't regret at all. But now that I'm at a place that I feel completely settled, bjj is a huge part of my life in which I'm determined to earn my black belt, one belt at a time. I work full time, 40-50hrs/week, married with 4 young beautiful boys, and still find the time to train 5-6x week AND help assist in my son's kids class 3x a week. I compete, bjj opens etc, and will do masters/worlds. I'm all in. Family and friends ask how I do it. I just tell them I love it, and hope to train and even teach for the rest of my life. If you're passionate about something, you go all in. If there's a will, there's a way. It also helps that my gym is less than a 5 minute drive away, and my son is 💯 all in as well 😊 great topic, thanks for the convo!

[@JameyPhoenix]

Brother this was so inspiring, I started last year at 33, and my coach is hinting at blue for me in November. Getting engaged this year. Hope to see you at Black Belt!

[@jo3agle]

@@JameyPhoenix Osss!!!

[@Cheeky_Sheikhy]

Thanks bro im in a similar boat.

[@andrewrodrigues2865]

Kudos, brother. I first hit the mats when I was 20, got one stripe on my white belt, and then took time off here and there over the course of the past 10 years because of law school, work and various other excuses. I'm 30 now, and have managed to get back into training. I used to think that it wasn't worth it to train even once or twice a week - I regret thinking about BJJ in such a way. I now realize BJJ is a personal journey, and as someone with a busy schedule, I now look to train whenever I can. I too look to stay the course for the long run. All the best.

[@joshualove6586]

I started at 31 and am OBSESSED!

[@johnbwill]

In my own case - it took me 10 years. To be perfectly transparent about it ... when I started out, It never occurred to me that I could ever be 'in that league'. I was on the mat with the likes of Rigan machado and all his brothers, Renzo Gracie (a purple belt at the time) , Rilion Gracie ... Soca, Draculino, etc (all blue belts) ... so the 'benchmark for black belt' was high. I loved the training though - and I was slowly making progress - and the complexity of it all, just kept me in there. Post Black Belt ... I literally started afresh - being in posession of the 'language of mechanics and leverage' I was finally able to appreciate the nuance and attention detail necessary to make good progress. Best wishes to all ...

[@nick0424]

As a long time blue belt at 43 years old and built like Brian Glick, I am outweighed consistently by 30-50 pounds. I have had to put together my own curriculum to progress and i have started doing much better.

[@danieldelanoche2015]

What has been your approach to that? I love the idea of taking responsibility for one's own growth like that.

[@nick0424]

At first, it was all about defense. It's easy to start in bottom side control, mount, back and work from there. In the gi, I worked exclusively on all varieties of collar chokes. Danaher has a collar chokes instructional that's really thorough and worked through that. For no gi I am working through Glick's clamp guard instructional. Since he's built like me and he talks about how things work vs. bigger opponents it's a great one for me. In class during sparring I work on defense, collar chokes, and clamp guard exclusively on my own, plus whatever our instructor teaches. There's enough variation that I won't get tunnel vision and enough randomization to have long term gain. And I will build off that. I have all the system instructionals by Danaher, but my defense was too poor to attack. I will go back through those instructionals again when I can reliably work the clamp guard.

[@chrisgarciart]

@@danieldelanoche2015 highly recommend Jordan Preisinger's bjj fundamentals program. Then start researching effective techniques for your body type and make time to drill those things. If you have a hole in your defenses, start your rolls in those positions. Above all, be consistent with your training. I'll hit great milestones, but when I miss a week or two I feel my partners pulling ahead.

[@ReisterJP]

Have you added Judo to your game? In Judo you can not be a defensive fighter. You always have to be trying to win. That philosophy might help your game. The fastest win is the best.

[@Jonobos]

We are in the golden era of jiujitsu information. Anything you want to know is out there and easy to find. But we are still in the dark ages of coaching. The standard jiujitsu class is absolutely stupid. It is holding people back, and we need to start calling it out. It isn't about info it is about how you train the info you have. Static Drilling is the least effective method until you are already very skilled. But it is the main focus in almost every gym. I have been doing this 16 years. I am still a brown belt. There is no one to promote me. I am 46, have had no major injuries, am in good health, and can go in and keep up with the young guys. And they are right this is extremely unusual. Almost no one makes it through the first 2 years much less past the 10 year mark. Much of it is luck. The injury factor is enormous and aside from bad coaching is the biggest factor in how long it takes.

[@olleolausson]

What is the best to do to learn then?

[@tededo]

50 here. Began grappling in early 2000s. Seasoned blue belt. Why ? I crossed a lot of my game with catch wrestling, freestyle, greco, boxing, kickboxer and tkd to name a few. I consider myself a full contact fighter more than a grappler. Now solely grappling cause I'm wiser at 50. I could have been a BJJ black belt if I hadn't cross train. Serious. But back than, knowing how to stand up and throw a jab and absorb jabs, was more important before heading straight into grappling.The longer I roll on the mat, the more I see bjj belt earning as a materialistic goal, which for someone like me, isn't what I crave for. I want to be that damn good skilled seasoned grappler, if it means earning a black belt, than so be it, but if it means being as skill and as dangerous as Frank Shamrock, so I'll still be happy. Guys like Shamrock, Bas Rutten to name a few, can even submit plenty of bjj black belts and I think its plenty to satisfy my desire.

[@skarrity69g68]

Hey, been in the club for 3 months, tried all kinds of martial arts in my life, mainly striking. I’m 48 now and a diabetic type 1 (insulin injections) and in the past 3 months BJJ has changed my life. I’m fitter than I’ve ever been, my diabetes control is vastly improved and I feel like I wish I’d discovered this amazing thing 20 years ago. Keep up the excellent work guys, love you ♥️

[@crzabjj]

49 year old blue belt. Something you said resonated with me. Training harder / more often may not get you there faster. I believe this. I go three times per week but no more. I want to go everyday but I don’t because I know my body needs to heal. My goal is Blackbelt. But I’m comfortable whatever belt I peak at. Enjoy the ride 🤙🤙

[@robertrocha597]

Money!!! Saved everyone time. In Judo, they have standards and there is no surprises on the path to get it. Jiu-jitsu gyms always playing the money game.

[@johnburke1184]

I started training BJJ at age 50. I trained while enduring cancer treatments, I also trained after working 60 hours a week. Even though Academies have limited hours, and rarely accommodate their students. I received my Black Belt at age 63, presented by Professor Bret Oteri, The Lab, Westwood, Ma. In attendance was Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu. I continue trading at a high level, and am also an instructor, 2 days a week. If you decide to undertake a difficult task you gotta own it. Stop looking for the short cut. Stop looking to tout yourself, just cuz you went there, at “your age”. Either you’re in, or you’re out. The commitment is to yourself.

[@timothyotoole8224]

thanks guys, I hit a couple of holes in my journey, injury, covid. now back feels good,

[@Arcadianx98]

I just want to reach the level where I can roll with 90% of people in the gym and submit them at will. Will that be at black belt?

[@dustsettles6099]

Probably do that at purple

[@husseinshahine1]

I thoroughly enjoyed this

[@fazer12779]

Enjoy the process rather than just the destination. Listen to your body.

[@rossinverted]

I’m not out-deadlifting Eddie Hall, I’m not getting higher chess ELO than Magnus Carlson. There’s definitely freaks of “nature”. That’s fine. Actuating potential and optimizing physical/mental is a completely different piece as you add distractions, knowledge, and other variables as you spoke on. Drugs, injuries, job, family. Amazing to consciously plan and assess, keep accountability, push and evolve the conviction 🍻

[@coloradoclif]

Man that was a dark twist at the end. 13yr purple here, plodding along steadily in my 40s, though I certainly can look around and realize that my time on the mats is finite and I have wondered if I'll make it to Black. Belts are such a weird thing. People obsessed with them, people obsessed with how not important they are. Personally i think that Jiu Jitsu could REALLY benefit from both a consistent ruleset for competition and a consistent set of rules for promotion. Someone (Sean Applegate i think?) on a podcast I was listening to said that he promotes basically purely on knowledge. Your competitive success means nothing, your success in the gym against teammates means nothing. I thought that sounded like an excellent system.

[@tylerdurden4289]

I think that all of the areas you mention need to be taken into account. Knowledge on its own is no good whatsoever if you are not a skilled practitioner.

[@hubriswonk]

I am a 52 year old Brown Belt rolling up to the 10 year mark and I'm really not looking forward to Black Belt because there is just so much to learn. Everyone has a different game, different feel and ability to craft everything together and I get a bit aggravated when I see a KZbin video or watch a competition and I see someone do something so simple and effective that I don't know about! When I was a White Belt I was told by an decade old Black Belt that belts really don't matter and that it was the abilities of the person, not what belt they have around their waist.....and I did not understand that concept at the time, but do now.

[@harrypocher84]

Great content guys

[@bulletproofforbjj]

Thank you brother 🙏

[@jeremymartinez6309]

Pretty interesting especially the genetics factor.

[@EricLSnow]

Its rly a mindblowing that u said if u didnt try that hard at blue belt, u would even get there quicker😜. Somehow i know its might true. Im a 29 blue belt, and im in the period "try hard as i can". Lately i got an ankle injury and can bascly stop 2 month. I consider my self as those people who really can take a good advice. I rly like the episode which some part are very fit for me and my process to black lol😂😂😂

[@savysav1253]

Love this show. Thanks fellas 🤙

[@bulletproofforbjj]

Thanks for the support 💪

[@geoffreysmith6726]

Inefficient rolling. Teammates stalling in a position and not getting work in all positions.

[@VinnyDoesLife]

*"A black belt is a white belt that never quit."*

[@concon83]

Great video. I recently turned 40 and am coming up on my blue belt soon. I've set myself the goal of getting by black belt by 50. How does age affect a person's path? Is it reasonable to set those kinds of goals?

[@sayville_silver]

Consistency is the biggest thing. How often and how consistent. Also injuries will delay it.

[@KhaosTy]

I'm only 28 but I don't see "get a black belt" as a good goal to have. The reason is that it's simply not up to me what belt I have. Instead my goal is "train 4 times a week, and do my best each time". That is something I can actually control.

[@concon83]

@@KhaosTy I like this thinking. I spoke to a purple belt in my gym yesterday and he said something similar. He said that I shouldn't chase belts but chase skills instead

[@hubriswonk]

I started at 42 and now a Brown Belt. 10 year goal was not on my radar but I'm getting pretty close to promotion as my professor has been watching me like a hawk lately! I must say I didn't enjoy the journey as much due to training so hard and not taking it all in, but if you want to set the goal of 10 years, it will take more than training and will include everything you do off the mat. Diet, sleep, the right supplements, strength training, stretching and forcing yourself to take time off for recovery. The older you get the more difficult training becomes and don't expect the younger guys to understand a damn thing about what it takes to keep your fighting machine running! And if you are a candidate for TRT, don't wait, do it now :)

[@Jiu-JitsuJourney257]

I’m having to sit out while I heal from my appendix being a piece of shit and it’s driving me nuts. I’m counting down the days till I get my stupid medical release.

[@jasonabc]

Got a question for you guys. Starting at 50 doing a casual plan two days a week (I'm not shooting for adcc champion obviously) how long would it take me to get a black belt? 20 years if my body could survive that?

[@dirkbrouns5293]

Difficult to get to blackbelt training twice a week. I’m 49, train about 8hrs per week, halfway at bluebelt. It is a commitment though, especially as you need to do extra weight work to keep your body in shape. Have fun!

[@jasonabc]

@@dirkbrouns5293 - 4 times a week at our age is pretty impressive. Hopefully I can ramp up to 3 days at some point consistently

[@pingislife2653]

I know a guy that got his black belt training twice a week primarily. He started at 35 years old though. It took almost 11 years to get the black.

[@808BJJ_Black_Belt]

You know why it takes so long to get to black belt in BJJ because it’s fkn hard ‼️most people can’t even last 6 months. The few that get to Blue belt most of them quit because it’s harder. 90% will never get to purple belt. Earning a legit BJJ black belt is very fkn hard most people can’t even get close to earning it. It took me 15 years to earn my black belt it doesn’t matter how fast you get there just keep training. Most people will not last anyway 💯 facts!

[@nickwhaley3390]

Many excuses for not promoting someone. Some bullshit. Been a active purple belt for 12 years. Many permanent injuries & changed schools 4 times. Heard lots of BS excuses why I got passed up.

[@steelybojangles]

JT's genetic freaks argument falls apart when you are talking about the elite of elite athethletes where genetics play a large factor. But I do agree with him than nobody is born a champion. Yoel Romaro has freak genetics combined with Cuba moulding him into a wrestler from childhood. For the average population hard work plays a way bigger factor than genetics when it comes to getting a black belt.

[@bulletproofforbjj]

The genetic freaks argument is basically saying "nature" "talent" etc matters. Anything outside your control doesn't mater.- JT

[@BPchadlite]

I refuse to do anything but smash pass and head-arm choke my way through the last third of purple belt, thoughts?

[@shepsean1]

Very few, if we’re honest.

[@Poppa_82]

BJ Penn got his black belt in 3 years but he trained 3 times a day 6 days a week

[@leebruno1722]

I train three times a day and i still suck a fat one haha

[@madebyape]

Just see Kit Dale for the answer to this.

[@Nlaw18]

In some capoeira some schools it takes 40 years to become master XD

[@420champion4]

Bj penn got his black belt in 3 years.

[@alex.sand1r]

Let's go!

[@wrxstock2820]

Nice. You chaps are hitting all the nails on the head.🙂

[@FastRooz]

Ended on a bummer😖

[@slowdown3415]

I dont want belts but i likey bjj

[@Greg2fram]

wait they arent brothers?

[@wingoreviewsboxingandmma3667]

He lost me at when he said "I don't believe in freaks of nature"

[@hhattonaom9729]

I'm the opposite have brown belt and just don't care

[@techniquejiujitsu8832]

Because the coaching has not evolved as much as the athletes.

[@stephenwalker8789]

I’m sorry but how do you look @ people like micheal Phelps , Barry bonds , Herschel walker and go , yeah no such thing as a freak of nature

[@AnonCodm]

You’re completely wrong about freaks of nature

[@grayrecluse7496]

Remember,the Gracie's are criminals, that's why.

[@benjaminstevens6043]

Never heard so many excuses in my life. So much cope. Maybe if there was a precise rubric to min/max your time and effort to, it wouldnt be such an attainment to earn that rank. There's a sense of entitlement hear that's hard to countenance if you actually had respect for the art and your instructors.

[@juiceman7649]

I trained karate for 3 years and got my balck belt you guys must be terrible at Jiu jitsu