How long does it take to get BJJ Black Belt (FORMULA)

[@midlifebjj]

Hope you enjoy this video! Just for perspective, I’ve been a blue belt for well over 3 years....I’m a slow learner! 😃 - would love to hear your story. How long did it take you to progress to the belt you are today?

[@ZacharySahuque]

I'm a purple now, I spent 3 years at white, 2 at blue, and I've now been a purple for a little over 2.

[@midlifebjj]

Congrats! I was a white for 2 years...I’ve been a blue for over 3 years...was a 3 stripe blue for 2.5 years before the 4th stripe was put on...a journey for sure! 🙏👋👊🤙

[@Thisnotmysandwich]

White belt = 1.5 yrs Blue belch = 2yrs Purple (current) = 1.5 yrs

[@humblewarriorus]

Im a 2 stripe white belt with 7months training and loving the journey.

[@PifonShadow]

5 years white, 3 years blue , 3 years purple , now i am brown and It is just a start of my journey

[@yellowheaphones1]

The only promotion that matters is when you promote yourself to white belt and start training. everything else is just the trip...

[@midlifebjj]

Words to live by!🙏

[@steveabraham3052]

That’s the truth! Oos! 🤙🏾

[@03m3]

100% Just train and enjoy the ride... :)

[@PopeyeBjj86]

Yes Jo!!! Osss

[@chickasawmike1319]

That is deep bro! I can not wait to start my journey.

[@tomkennedy3123]

Spot On! I am a 70 year old Blue Belt. It took me slightly less than one year to get a blue belt. I am not a fast learner, nor am I athletically gifted. (Unless you count being able to roll at 70 gifted). But as a retiree, I can get roughly 6 hours a week on the mat. So, what's my point? Mat Time = Progress. Belts are a measure of progress. second point: If you're retired, take up bjj. It will change your life. Mat time is better than couch time!

[@midlifebjj]

Wow! Respect🙏 Life goals!

[@JJ.ermenegildofregna]

Tom, you're an inspiration to me! May I ask at what age you started? Thing is, I'm 63, in very good shape, sporty guy all my life. I wanted to start last year but this lockdown business screwed it all up. I'm still in semi lockdown, all the gyms are closed. So I doubt I'll ever be able to start. I'm retired and I spend about 4/5 hrs a week doing bjj solo drills at home, it does wonders for your shape. And...how long will it take to get a one stripe white belt doing solo drills at home? 😂 just kidding

[@tomkennedy3123]

@@JJ.ermenegildofregna well if you live near cape cod, come by our gym. I started one year ago at 69. I have an adopted son and wanted him to learn. I signed him up and watched, 3 days a week. After a few weeks I signed up. I have been going 6 days a week since. Find a partner, I bet there are guys rolling in their garage, near you! Find em!

[@JJ.ermenegildofregna]

@@tomkennedy3123 Hey Tom, thank you so much, very kind of you! Now that I know the whole story you're not just an inspiration, you're a Guru! Unfortunately I don't live near Cape Cod but very far away indeed, otherwise I would be already there! I've been thinking about that garage rolling business and I think it's the only option for the time being, I'll start the hunt right away. Need to find at least a blue belt. Hey, I'm from where all this mess started. No, not China, the other place in Europe😃 Thanks again for your input an encouragement👍

[@kascausevic7502]

Thats really encouraging, my teenage daughter and her instructors try to get me involved and I've been thinking 50 is too old.

[@PANYHK]

Started BJJ in 2009 I got my BLACK BELT 2 months ago. Absolutely, NO REGRETS !!!

[@midlifebjj]

Congrats! That’s awesome!!!

[@F_Dot_]

Any advice, I'm about to start my journey

[@midlifebjj]

Just keep rolling..it gets easier…then harder…that continues to repeat….forever. But it’s fun, you’ll meet some cool folks, you’ll stay in shape and learn an incredible martial art.

[@Thefrenchiefry]

Im a colorless taekwondo started 1 week ago did better than my other white belts that started 4 months ago xd

[@Jiu-JitsuJourney257]

That’s bad ass man congratulations. I’m a purple and black seems like it’s light years away lol

[@robfromhome7771]

Great analysis. I’ve been training BJJ 7.5 years, and I was recently awarded my brown belt. I’m a hyper consistent 3-4 x week trainer, so your math, at least for me, is spot on. The most important belt to me was blue. No one had ever obviously recognized me like that before, so it was a big deal. Since starting bjj, I’ve developed an attitude of constant training, and I’ve completely de-focused on rank. Game changer, because I LOVE training, and the awards are gravy. I also love teaching bjj, so that probably helps with progression as well. Great video, well done!

[@midlifebjj]

Thank you, sir! In the past 1.5 years I’ve slipped away from caring about belts - focused now on landing technique-- chaining techniques -- small movements and getting better at space recognition and management. Appreciate the comment! There are so many variables- this video wasn’t an easy one. 🙏

[@Thefrenchiefry]

7.5 years? For a brown belt? That kinda bad my trainer spent 6 years and he has a blackbelt no hate tho

[@XieTianXieDi888]

@@ThefrenchiefryA lot of people train for 10+ years to get a black belt. Your trainer must have been exceptional. Everybody’s path is different.

[@Oberronn83]

My best advice as a 21 year veteran is that it takes you as long as it takes you. Enjoy the journey, don’t give up and remember that your hard work will pay off! Everyday porrada!

[@midlifebjj]

Appreciate the comment. True...it’s a long, arduous journey but well worth it! 🙏

[@afathersroll3569]

It is definitely a journey. It took me (Danny) 3 years to get my blue belt. As of today I’ve been a blue belt for 15 months.

[@midlifebjj]

I was a 3 stripe blue for 2.5 years before I got the 4th stripe. It’s an individual journey but filled with good friends along the way. Hey., received that shirt yesterday. Appreciate it and will give you guys a shout out in the next video. 🙏

[@sutt5828]

Got my first stripe on the white today. So that’s me happy

[@midlifebjj]

Rock on, brother! Congrats!

[@sutt5828]

@@midlifebjj thanks man 🙏

[@tayaaron1921]

How long did you train before you got the stripe?

[@kylefee4822]

Took me 2 years 10 months to get blue belt. Now I've been a blue belt for about 3 months still loving the grind. And I'm so aware I'm no where near my purple belt

[@midlifebjj]

Rock on brother! Been at blue over 3 years. Sometimes I still feel like a white belt. 😂

[@neveryoumind560]

I'm 3 months in and just received my first stripe on my white belt, i was pretty happy i wont lie haha! I used to box, the good thing about boxing is theres no accolades for a boxer in a gym unless he wins titles. Not all but many People in bjj are too focused on a belt. I feel as long as i can feel improvements ill keep that white belt no problem!

[@bruceweis2235]

I will always consider myself a white belt, no matter what color I wear around my waist.

[@midlifebjj]

Thx

[@midlifebjj]

Oss! Nothing wrong with appreciating the level you’ve achieved....🙏

[@midlifebjj]

Appreciate your experience here on the channel. I’ll do my best to keep it going...🙏👋👊🤙

[@bruceweis2235]

@@martialsmartest9725 Wow, seems like this got you going a bit, not my intention. First, I do respect my professor's analysis of my skills. Second, I do not have a "false" sense of humility, not sure how you were able to determine I was a "false" person through a single comment, possibly it is a skill of yours', but your analysis is inaccurate. I am a "humble" person and have always approached learning with "true" humility, this is the context in which I was referring to myself as always being a white belt. This mentality has served me well in learning in other disciplines through my life, including college and my professional career. Humility and Confidence are not mutually exclusive and you can have both without being "false" in either. I appreciate you analysis of me and I will take it under advisement. Congratulations on your accomplishments in BJJ, your approach certainly seems to have worked for you.

[@ampgent]

Me too. I’m also actually a white belt. But I still consider myself to be a white belt.

[@Slashoom]

World averages according to belt checker: White to blue: 2 years, 9 months Blue to purple: 3 years, 3 months Purple to brown: 3 Years, 2 months Brown to black: 2 Years, 11 months Total time from white to black belt: 10 years, 2 months

[@AC-mp7cx]

Doing how many hours a week

[@topkarrydakid2927]

how many hours a week

[@seamac7564]

6 hours a week, over 4 years, and still a blue belt....I hate your math but damn, I love to roll.

[@midlifebjj]

I hear you...just for clarification- it’s not my math...I took it straight from the Alliance playbook and other research...it’s going to be different for everyone. Appreciate your comment...love to roll as well, brother.

[@Tacticalteabag]

Do you compete? Sometimes when you plan to compete a coach will slow down the white and blue belt progression so you have better changes in the competitions as all that really matters is mat time.

[@seamac7564]

@@Tacticalteabag I have competed but with BJJ, so many variables..2020 was COVID. In no rush, I'm 52 and enjoying the journey. As if it matters, I think July will be the month...

[@Tacticalteabag]

@@seamac7564 Congrats brother. Glad we can get back to the gym. Oss

[@midlifebjj]

I have competed but not regularly…Im all good though…did receive purple a few months ago.🤙

[@matthewcrawford4216]

Yes I want to level up my belt, who doesn't, but the real carrot on the stick is the constant learning. I never walk off the mat not learning something new. That constant learning cycle is what is so addicting and rewarding. It is like chess and when you see it you can't help but come back for more. Nothing is better than moving from the white belt survival mentality to seeing the opportunities and successfully executing a move. One of my favorite BJJ phrases is "a black belt is a white belt who just keeps showing up."

[@midlifebjj]

🙏

[@jacobharris954]

I am that stage 😭😭 but my class mate say I am really good but I know I am gifted grappling but I am natural striker

[@isaacgarcia2979]

@@jacobharris954 yah, in Russia belt wears you.

[@austinsmith7265]

Cool video dude, I just got my Blue belt a couple weeks ago. Im young, athletic and learn quickly, I also have a ton of time to train. It took me 10 months and I shoved over 800 hours into ten months. Keep uploading dude!

[@midlifebjj]

man...you got a great journey ahead! Love seeing young folks with a good head on their shoulders! keep it going!

[@santanaurias3112]

Break down 800 hrs in 10 months. I train 4x week(6 hrs)x 4 weeks is 24 hrs a month.

[@apzypz]

@@santanaurias3112 80 a month, 20 a week which means almost 3 hours a day? Hmmm

[@Roll_Vids]

4:30-5:00 represents the wisest thing I've heard all day. And I've been binge- listened to geniuses like Danaher and Master Ken.

[@midlifebjj]

Love Danaher....I’m not worthy 😂😂😂 master ken😂

[@midlifebjj]

PS - subbed to your channel. Thought I had subbed before but not showing up. Appreciate the support! 🙏

[@Roll_Vids]

@@midlifebjj Thanks! I enjoy your videos and envy your editing skills. Keep up the great work!

[@midlifebjj]

Will do🙏

[@jonathanb1987]

Facts!

[@phoenixdave151]

I have been doing bjj for a month and a half. I love it. Zero care about a belt. I've learning

[@danzyyg3768]

Today I learned that a purple belt is a essentially a bachelor's degree in maiming and murder

[@midlifebjj]

😂😂😂

[@ZacharySahuque]

This is easily the best video about the time to get a black belt. Bravo!

[@midlifebjj]

Much appreciated! 🙏

[@stevengarman9112]

Agreed with the hours assessment with the exception of brown to black. Brown is typically seen as a refinement or polishing belt and usually takes about a 1- 1.5 years to go from brown to black.

[@midlifebjj]

I think I was using the Alliance timing...appreciate the comment!🙏

[@agarraaki1]

I’ve been training jiu jitsu for 8 months now and iam 45 years old. Just went for my first competition and got a gold medal 🥇…no stripes yet though but tbh I just want to keep rolling at every opportunity I get. Stay safe out there guys. 🙏🏾

[@Thisnotmysandwich]

White to blue and brown to black can be as little as a year. The belts in between take 2-3 yrs each depending on if you’re at a competitive school. Also, competition is a huge part of advancing.

[@midlifebjj]

Thx

[@masterofalltrades_]

Can you elaborate?

[@joeystaley3181]

​@@midlifebjjI heard competition slows you down, and hobbyists promote faster. Is that not the case?

[@meyr1992]

@@joeystaley3181no

[@kylacolom7380]

I go everyday!! Never missed a day and In January it will be one year of training bjj. Two days ago I just got my third stripe on my white belt 🥰. This video is encouraging!! So on average I spend 6 hours a week every week because some days classes are twice if that counts. Sadly I do not do open mats cause work 😅🥲

[@harrisontrotter4613]

What belt are you now

[@fenrir2616]

I've been training 1.5 years and only for my 2nd stripe the other day lol. Mind you it's 2 nights a week, so probably adds up to roughly same hours.

[@floyd666uk]

I was a blue for about 9 years because of inconsistent training. I've been a purple for 3.5 years now for the same reason. Only really become more consistent in the last year and definitely see my game improving faster now.

[@midlifebjj]

Everyone is on their own journey. Thanks for sharing

[@Lloydrellon]

I just started my journey on BJJ. I'm gonna come back to this comment once I've made it to Blue Belt. Good luck to everyone in your respective journey in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu \m/ We can do this

[@w.donald9066]

Are you there yet ?

[@Lloydrellon]

@@w.donald9066 Hey buddy! I just started barely even a month and I've already attended close to 10 sessions ever since I wrote this comment. I ain't gonna lie BJJ is tough but I am determined to go far in this journey. Im a pretty small guy and my sparing partners weighs 20-40 pounds heavier than me. I need to work on my stamina and my awareness. I know by attending many sessions, this will eventually get me closer to me achieving the blue belt.

[@Lloydrellon]

@@DaveReithmiller1983 Have fun in your training! Take a training at a time and hopefully I'll get to spar with you someday in this lifetime. All the best brother. ;)

[@shakytenno1298]

@@Lloydrellon how is it going my guy

[@Adrinick]

Right back at ya!

[@coricoriwong]

Mat time might not be everything but is definitely very important. I train 6 days a week (at least two hours) and it took me 13 months to get my blue belt. Not being afraid to ask the higher belts for rolls and help also helps a lot! But just as my teammates told me, don’t train for belts, train for self improvement and fun!

[@midlifebjj]

Good advice! Self improvement and fun! The belts will come.🙏

[@isaacgarcia2979]

At my gym be ready to be a white belt for at least 2-3 years.

[@fenrir2616]

What used to get me about belts was people asking me 'what belt are you?' When they'd hear you trained. People would laugh when I'd say I was still a white belt, not knowing that BJJ belts take even longer to earn: "You're still a white belt, but you've been training for 2 years..?" "You Mustn't be very good..".lol. Cant be bothered now trying to explain it to them.

[@midlifebjj]

So true. A good follow up question: “want to come out and try…first class is free” - then smoke’em. 😂

[@fenrir2616]

@@midlifebjj 🤣😆 definitely!!

[@meyr1992]

2 years as a white belt is very slow…

[@psychlos21]

Your averages are very reasonable. As you noted, there are other factors that come into play beyond time and depending on the school. I received a Black Belt this past November. I am 59 and the journey took me close to 9 years. Most of my time was spent as a White Belt. A few factors were at play; training at two different gyms and injuries. There was a lot of turnover with coaches and professors at the two schools I attended so it became a challenge for anyone to track progress with numerous students. Total hours for me was closer to 2100 based on average hours per week. The key is grit and persistence. I tell new White Belts to "keep rolling". If you look at Jiu-Jitsu as a lifestyle, it becomes part of your daily life and overtime, fixation on belts eventually goes away and before you know it, your a Black Belt.

[@avimontesdeoca6676]

Great informative video ! Subbed I started bjj a week ago at GB and been going to going everyday.

[@midlifebjj]

Awesome! Appreciate the sub! Oss! 🙏

[@m.j.m.2mccall99]

ANOTHER Good one. Thanks for taking the time of making these very helpful videos.

[@midlifebjj]

Thank you! Appreciate your support! Will do my best to keep bringing good content…🙏

[@nellynuz42069]

Beautiful, being a white belt can be frustrating at first, but if you surrender to the art you will be fine.

[@opinionmaximus]

I know I've said this before. For me personally, I was white for 2.5, then blue for 4, April 2021 will be 2 years at purple (2 stripe). Blue to purple was (for me) MENTALITY TOUGH because you get that blue in usually 2 years and blue to purple seemed like a LIFETIME. Purple to brown is (for me) a lot easier because I know I'm going to have to grind like I did at blue. We have known people that get promoted quicker and HONESTLY that used to bother me but now I look at it differently in that when we get to brown I'll have WAY MORE MAT TIME and I should be better, so to 2nd you I would say just put in the work and when you get that next belt you know you won't be a fraud. My biggest fear is PHYSICALLY holding up. As for most of us we started later, I was 4 months shy of 41 when I started, I'll be 49 in February. Sorry for the long post. Good video as always.

[@midlifebjj]

No apologies necessary! This is great information and I appreciate your candor. I’ve been a blue belt for well over 3 years now. Stayed at a 3 stripe blue for 2.5 years before having my 4 wrapped on. In the last 6 months - things have started to finally click for me! I feel like I’ve climbed out of the blue belt trenches and am on my way up...nowwww don’t get me wrong, I know that it’s just another peak to climb before I hit more tenches but for now I’ll enjoy it! Blue belt has been such a grind. Good to hear that I’m not the only one who feels this way. Appreciate the comment, brother! 🙏

[@opinionmaximus]

@@midlifebjj I HONESTLY didn't feel like I started to REALLY learn and be able to go from technique to technique until about 2 stripe Blue. So about 4.5/5 year mark.

[@midlifebjj]

That’s about where I am! 🙏

[@Mr_Iain]

I've trained 5.5 hours a week for past 6 months. Done 300 hours in 14 months. Moved from a gym that did 1 hour classes to a gym that does 1.5 hour classes. I track all my hours, classes/open mats/PT's/seminars etc. I don't feel close to blue belt yet but can often go sessions without tapping to any blue and purples. I've focussed on defence 90% of my time and minimal on submissions so far. I only do no-gi now. 3 x 1.5 hour classes and an open mat for 1 hour. If I miss a class or 2 due to work, I'll load up on an extra open mat and PT or 2 so I get 25 hours per month. At my age, recovery is a factor. I think I'll end up doing around 500-600 hours for my blue belt.

[@gymlaxbro]

I’ve trained over 400 hours at blue belt and I got it less than a year ago 😂😅 with no stripes yet but I don’t care about that. The amount of skills I’ve gained is tremendous

[@bobbydabutcha]

I'd like to add that for me personally, my knowledge and progression went up the absolute most during the pandemic. I've started back in 2018, February 8th to be exact right up until the pandemic shut us down March 20th 2020. Since then I've started running on the treadmill to stay in shape, lifted weights but most importantly, I took a step back and really looked at my Jiu Jitsu and my holes in the game, there were a ton! I got a grappling dummy and also studied the Jiu Jitsu encyclopedia. Along with Jiu Jitsu videos on KZbin, I searched for all my favorite submissions I learned in class over the last two years and then started drilling them as well as adding to my arsenal. I became proficient at collar chokes, then arm & head triangles (Gullotine, darce, andaconda, neck ties of all kinds; Japanese, Peruvian, etc. along with the basic bread and butter submissions like the Americana, Kimura, arm bar from closed guard, S mount and top mount etc.). I tightened up all my positions; mount, rear mount, S mount, technical mount, side control, kesa gatame, knee on belly etc., why they're important, their strengths and weaknesses, correct application and pressure etc., at least two submissions, two escapes and two ways of control using that particular pin. I tightened up my shrimps, bridges and hip escapes. I learned how to combine them. I learned how to tie submissions together. I tightened up my guard passes while keeping things simple (knee slice, tornando pass, pressure pass, stack pass, matador etc.), I did guard retention drills, learned the arm drag & under/over hooks of all sorts from standing and closed guard, worked head and arm control, breaking posture, a few hip tosses, basic Judo grips and throws the list goes on and on and on. I've always focused on what I know, made it better and then started to shift focus on what I didn't know and how to get better at it daily. Baby steps and micro progressions. When I return to the mats, I'll be a much better version of myself. Stronger, faster and much much more technical than before!

[@midlifebjj]

Appreciate the comment...using your time wisely while this pandemic is hopefully winding down....oss, brother!

[@shrimuyopa8117]

Here is the truth. Yes, most of us enjoy getting recognized for hardwork and the progression that we have made (aka a belt). That's part of being human. It feels good, as it should. The other side of the coin, that's more important, is how confident you are in your actual abilities. How good are you at defending, escaping, takedowns, sweeps, passing guard, controlling dominate positions, submissions, etc. If you are able to learn a new move, practice it, drill it, use it on a white belt, pull it off in a live roll against a competitive training partner, and then execute it in a tournament... That is a far better feeling than any belt and will keep you training longer than getting a new promotion every month. Its those small victories that build a true martial artist and keep them motivated. It's not always learning a new move either. Sometimes it is a new sequence, transition, a new detail to a move, getting the timing down better, or learning a new system of how to use the moves you have already learned. Its endless and that's part of what makes it fun.

[@midlifebjj]

Well said. I suck so I’m probably where I should be. Won’t quit though!

[@justinjex1]

Where I am at Unified, in SLC Utah. The professor John, watches you over time. There is a time factor as well as a skill factor.

[@midlifebjj]

I think that’s a solid approach!

[@sburri01]

For me training 5 consistent training sessions a week for the last 8 years. 5 years to get blue then about another 1.5 for purp. Im now a purple with 4 stripes. I took about 2 months total of down time because of my 5 knee surgeries. I’m 23 years old. I also coach 5 classes a week now. I’ve competed in about 300 single matches. I live in area where Bjj isn’t big and there isn’t many resources.

[@midlifebjj]

Congrats - you’re killing it...I’m 5 years in and just a 4 stripe blue....can’t maintain 5 days a week consistently but I love it and will never quit....

[@matthewmartines9223]

Been training jujitsu since March 2020 and I'm a blue belt right now I know that in a few years I will be a black belt I know that i will achieve this goal because I put the hard work and dedication to this sport.

[@midlifebjj]

Awesome. Good luck! Keep us posted.

[@daniel-lee888]

I find that 3 sessions a week is somewhat minimum to advance... I found one or two classes a week is never quite going to get me to master the basics. Which for me is fine... I do it for the exercise and it will probably take me 10 years to get to Blue lol . But I'd agree with your assessment, if you can CONSISTENTLY train for 3 sessions per week for 10 years you will probably make it to black, assuming you have a moderate level of skill. But it's more likely to be 10-15 years with regular life in the way. I wish I started in my 20s when I had more time!

[@midlifebjj]

Totally agree. I definitely feel 10 - 15 years is more realistic. 🙏

[@daveyboy4715]

This is like a bricklayers apprentice telling me how long it takes to become a master builder

[@midlifebjj]

😂 😂😂...I get your point. However, if you’re in the field of laying bricks and have been around that field for 6 years - you’d have been exposed to enough information to know how long it would take through deductive logic....that and a Google search. Not that difficult....be well and appreciate the comment. 🙏

[@daveyboy4715]

@@midlifebjj 🤣 ye I get ya, I was just talking the piss

[@midlifebjj]

😂😂😂 got it, brother...good analogy! Not taken to heart and appreciate the challenge. 🤙🙏

[@soypinoy5251]

I probably spent more than 300 hundred hours on the mat and i am still a 3 stripe white belt. I started training at my current gym in 2018 (with already 4 months experience at a different gym) keep in mind we have a pandemic right now that started in 2020, and my gym was closed for 4 to 5 months last year

[@isaacgarcia2979]

That’s some quick progression

[@hollywood4890]

As of right I spent about 2 years 11 months at white (started before covid, then switched gyms after) and then approx. 1.5 years at blue. About 4.5 yrs to get to purple 💪🏻

[@ThePimpedOutPlatypus]

I know it's not about belts, but it is embarrassing still tying a white belt around my waist after 3 years of training a few times per week consistently. I am at the point where a few of the blue and purple belts are asking when I will be promoted to blue, saying it feels like they are rolling with a blue belt against me.

[@midlifebjj]

That usually means you’re about to be promoted. Until then, enjoy being the best white belt in the class! Once you get the blue, you’ll have a target on you.

[@ThePimpedOutPlatypus]

@midlifebjj Solid advice, thank you Sir, much appreciated!

[@SebastMorillo84]

I'm a brown belt, I've been training 6 times per week for the last 2 years. I never thought about belts, I just enjoy training and learning everyday. Oss

[@chickensammi4]

I just wanna know who left out the two coolest colored belts from the primary colors

[@midlifebjj]

🤔

[@mesleyraves9983]

A belt is just something that holds up your pants. It took me 2 1/2 years to get my blue, but I don't care. I love it!!

[@midlifebjj]

Did you just quote Mr. Miyagi? 😂

[@Garysmith2045]

It doesn't actually hold up your pants. The drawstring does that. The belt keeps your gi jacket shut for about 1 minute before you start rolling.

[@trackerfiend]

Wrestled 2 seasons in Highschool 2000-2002 Started training in wrestling, NO-Gi & Gi BJJ, Boxing, Muay Thai in June of 2006 @ 5 days per week for 3-3.5 hrs ea day(it was mixed for 1.5 hrs NO-GI &1.5 hrs Muay Thai/boxing or 1.5 hrs of GI and 1.5 No-GI (+30 mins of live rolling or sparring at the end) did this consistently for 2 years(I was still breaking some bad wrestling habbits), earned my blue belt the end of March 2008. Continued until Jan 2009 when I had just moved into my first home and my instructor/coach left for appx 9-10 months to go train at ATT, my Coach returned at the end Sept of 2009, went back to training Oct 2009-November 2010 to reestablish my blue belt rank continued training until February of 2014 to earn my purple and continued to train until the end of October 2014(so appx 8 months at purple) when I had suffered a dislocated shoulder. Got back on the mats in Jan or Feb the following year-(2015) Was forced to stop when my wife and I found out we were expecting our first child Dec 2015( so another 10.5-11 months at purple for a total 19 -20 months at purple) Total time training 2006-2015(minus appx 1yr due to injury and instructor leaving) Life happens. Total time training-appx 7.5-8 years. Figured at the rate I was going before injuries and the arrival of our child I would have reached my Blackbelt in the following 4-5 years or 12-13 years total.-(at a minimum)

[@midlifebjj]

Appreciate the information! Always good to see other people’s journey...

[@BboyCorrosive]

I got my blue belt 3 years ago, but with covid restrictions stopping training for 18 months, then screwing up and catching an ACL tear within a couple months of being back then being off again for a year following surgery. After now being back 2 months, I sure as hell hope I don't get promoted for at least another 2 years!

[@krzyweplecy]

Been training at least 5 hours a week for over 2 years. ( double that during the pandemic lockdown). Just got my third stripe on my white belt.

[@midlifebjj]

Congrats! That's a lot of training.

[@svetlana_chizhikova]

I started doing Jiu Jitsu a month and a half ago and I do 20 hours a week, I really like Jiu Jitsu and I am sure that I will get my black belt, The main thing is to believe in yourself

[@MrCalmlikeaBomb]

I’m a 3 stripe white belt going about 9 hours a week. I hope this video is accurate! It looks like if I keep the pace I’m going I’ll be a purple belt in a little over a year 🤞

[@midlifebjj]

Focus on the skills. Better to be a blue tapping purples than a purple getting tapped by blues…skills over color!

[@BLH93]

How long did it take you in terms of hours to get the third stripe? Took me around 250 hours maybe. Like you been putting in a lot of hours

[@AbsoluteADCC]

10 to 12 years is a safe average on how long would it take to get from white to black, granted injuries and life getting in the way. Another aspect that I noticed even if you are just hobbyist Jiu-Jitsu athlete. If you compete 2-3 times a year and your gym does 4-6 weeks camps to prepare for the competition, you will progress much faster simply because competition focused training and competition itself helps you to get way better at Jiu-Jitsu. Also when you compete you tend to be more intentional about your training and diet. That's why I recommend everyone to compete. Jiu-Jitsu is so amazing because you can compete and go hard and not really compromise your health like you would in striking martial arts. But that sort of proves a point that belt really doesn't matter. Your progress as a grapple what really matters. However, we all know that it feels amazing to put a colored belt on.

[@midlifebjj]

All good points! Thank you.🙏

[@vibovitold]

I recommend competition also for people who aren't really interested in the sports aspect, but self-defence. If they don't care about sport results and medals - that's fine. Less pressure on them! But competition is the closest you can get to a self-defence scenario. It's not a real fight of course, but it's closer. Unlike at your gym, you're typically confronted by a stranger. Unlike at your gym, they will actually be going 100% against you (or reasonably close to that), you get to feel what it's like to face fierce determination. You''ll have to perform under stress, and the sense of "I'd rather be at home now". Unless you're a pro, competition isn't really about medals anyway. It's about coping with stress, which is a very precious skill that translates into other areas outside of sport.

[@XyzXyz-pm2rj]

Just took my first class last night. I know some ground work from Krav Maga and was able to escape some things. And on the topic of Belts it took me about 4 years to get to a Green Belt in Krav Maga. But my technique is far better now with dabbling in other disciplines.

[@Nerales_]

Interesting numbers! I took 325 hours to blue (1 year), 630 hours to purple (2.5 years), and 630 hours to brown (2 years).

[@midlifebjj]

Awesome!

[@jackoxby5277]

Very fair video, needed to hear this.

[@midlifebjj]

Thank you! 🙏

[@TheOneBadAssGamer]

I've been training for about 2 months. The same day I started, another guy asked how long it would take to get a black belt. He did not seem happy with the answer. He came for about 3 weeks and then stopped showing up. I'd been considering starting Jiu-jitsu for years but always made an excuse not to do it. Happy I finally got over it. Love to train. I regret not starting sooner, that's for sure. But I'm 27, so I'm not so old.

[@JERRYDAVENPORT73]

I been a been a blue belt for around 7 yrs. I switch schools. Being 50 yrs old, I stop caring and just enjoy the ride and kee learning.. The way O see it. Is I always had a tuff time in class as a kid, a tuff time in sports. Like wrestling and football. So i figure my journey is always tuff, might as well keep learning in BJJ... Like your videos

[@cgreen4395]

3:16 *Raises hand* I agree with 99.9% of everything you said. Not sure if you were a member at that first school when the coach came in, wrote on the white board, then live rolled with all of the team, then when we were done he turned the white board around and showed us the three moves he was working to get were the only three moves that he attempted. Dedicated/Determined practice + time on the mats is 0.1%. Having a plan for your time on the mats accelerates your skill set. I forget who I heard it from, but being a master of one is better than being a jack of all. Part of getting a higher belt should also consider how much have you attempted to teach people with lower belts.

[@midlifebjj]

Of course...🤨

[@midlifebjj]

I covered the 0.1% when I said “there are many other variables that impact.....” “but for the purposes of this video - we’ll focus on time because most will agree”.... also - check out my video kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZqUeKx4gciarbM - in this video I talk about intentional rolling....which is what you’re calling “determined practice” ... c’mon Chris, you’re better than this. - 99.9%?? - pay attention, son. 😂😂😂

[@Elemental_Entity]

I'm here like, is there a Cliff Notes version of this art technique? 😂 Great video mate! Been interested in getting into it. Thank you.

[@Ben-vh9zu]

Nice videos man! Keep up the good work!

[@midlifebjj]

Thanks man. Will do

[@Palaciosjujitsu1]

I’m a white belt and been doing jujitsu for 7month and have ups and downs in my journey.💪

[@midlifebjj]

If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?

[@Palaciosjujitsu1]

@@midlifebjj 39

[@midlifebjj]

No injuries? Pre BJJ or since you’ve been training?

[@brojitsu]

Solid, well put together video. 💪🏻👊🏻🤙🏻

[@midlifebjj]

Thank you 🙏

[@UndefeatedEagle]

The bjj gym i train is 3 hours away. Little more. Only able to go 1 or 2 hours a week. Mostly sparring. But it still feels great everytime! I love jiu jitsu

[@midlifebjj]

Dedication, right there! 3 hours is a hike!

[@fluffyfeetbmf]

I go to class three time’s a week, I really like jujitsu, abs idc about a belt, but I do care about learning this, and I like fighting other old guy’s. Thanks for the great video.

[@rootbeard2294]

Hello! i want to share a little bit of my jiujitsu path, took me almost 1 year and 3 months to get my blue belt i was training almost 6 days a week 3 hours classes, by the end of my first year i was addicted to bjj started going to 2 classes a day noon and night classes, then i made it to blue belt and i trained almost for 3 years and the 3rd year i started doing almost 3 classess per day i was really living the bjj dream! i got promoted to purple belt, then injured my knee, was out of the mats for like 2 years then i was just training with friends not in gyms for like 2 years got injuered again, and now 2021 it all the pandemic and weight gain i started training jiujitsu again im trying to train every day but at least do 9 hours a week ( 3 classes a week ). dont rush your bjj just go with the flow is a maraton resistance not a quick race and most important have fun!

[@seanmcgillis8034]

great video Chad. 8 years at purple.

[@midlifebjj]

Holy crap! I guess you were a purp at Brasa...you’re a beast though...miss rolling with ya, man! Appreciate you watching my videos! 🙏

[@j.bernard752]

You did a great job on this video man. Kudos!🤙🏼

[@midlifebjj]

Appreciate it! 🙏🤙👊

[@Bigace39.]

Nice video. For sure, just enjoy the journey. Doesn't matter which belt you have around your waste if the skill is lacking. This will cause most to become frustrated if and when a more technical lower belt taps them out. Injuries are inevitable, speaking from experience. Shoulder surgery in June 18' and knee surgery July 19', listen to your body and take time off to heal. Coming back after multiple months off isn't worth it.

[@midlifebjj]

Wise words - especially about listening to your body. Spot on about belts, too. Early on, people want stripes and belts (including me when I wanted that blue... so, so bad) - I think the closer one gets to purple, the less that person worries about belts and the more that person worries about technique, skills and ability....I don’t know how much longer I’ll be at blue (currently 4 stripes) but I actually find myself clinging to this belt...not worrying about a promotion but more concerned with being as awesome as this 46 year old man can be at BJJ. Once that purple is wrapped around your waste, you cross a threshold that has not been crossed by many and the last thing you want is to get it early. Appreciate the comment and glad to see you’re overcoming the challenges! 🙏👊

[@narciliocosta]

Good point!

[@redshot1015]

I been training off and on about a year ... iam a 3 stripe white belt ... so next belt promotion in 6 months, I may see a blue in almost 2 years so sounds bout right...

[@midlifebjj]

Thank you. Appreciate the feedback…this was based on alliance timelines according to their curriculum and Google searches…Always better to hear it from actual students though! 🙏

[@konnor9577]

I believe the best way to get a new belt in any martial art is to compete against opponents of the same experience ( same belt), and after a certain amount of wins or times you took part ( no matter the result), you get a new belt.

[@midlifebjj]

😂

[@angelodarosa574]

Don’t we do that in every roll?

[@Mr.LightMode]

Took me 12 yrs to get my black belt at avg 2 sessions/week.

[@annamarierecord7227]

As a single mom with two kids I want to get myself and my kids into jujitsu to learn self defense and gain confidence:)

[@midlifebjj]

Awesome! Try it out and let us know how it goes

[@americandissident9062]

It took me almost exactly 3 years to the day to go from white to blue. However, my first year I was only able to average one class per week. For the last two years I’ve been averaging more like three per week.

[@vibovitold]

Just one time a week is, in my opinion, almost a waste of time. In my opinion it's also more risky in terms of injuries (the body doesn't get enough training to adapt and "switch gears", meanwhile opportunities for injury are still there). Three times a week is fine.

[@americandissident9062]

@@vibovitold If I hadn’t gone that year, I never would have. I still drive 45 minutes one way to get to the gym for classes. It was now or never, basically.

[@Anomicx]

Different art (kenpo), but looking to grade at the end of this year for black which will be just before the start of my 11th year.

[@midlifebjj]

Sounds like it takes a while to earn BB in Kenpo...(similar to BJJ)....keep us posted and good luck! Do you practice BJJ - as well?

[@gdragon75]

studied jiu-jitsu in a club in high school, got my blue belt sophomore year. After I graduated I wasn't able to find another gym nor could I practice, and only recently have gotten back into it after 10 years. It's not about the belt for me, I want to be able to submit anyone despite ranking.

[@collinlasky9062]

Two years in I’m a 2nd degree blue belt

[@ralfhtg1056]

The short and simple answer to that question is: as long as it takes! Some people achieve it faster, others take longer, this depends on many factors. Such as 1) how good is the teacher at adapting his teachings to the students needs?, 2) how well gets the students along with the teacher and his/her style of teaching?, 3) how fast is the student learning, i.e. how much talent is there?, 4) how often does the student show up in the dojo to practise?, 5) Has the student already experience in other martial arts? And with these questions in mind, how is the teacher supposed to give a precise prediction how long it will take for the student that just came to the Dojo for the first time? It simply doesn't work that way! The student comes to the Dojo, week after week and practises until a lesson is learned. No matter how long it takes! Anybody promising a lesson will be learned after x hours of practise is just not serious. Anybody promising a belt after x months / years is not creditable. At least that is how it works in the Karate Dojo, where I practise.

[@midlifebjj]

It’s an individual journey. I’m a purple…a year ago I took a job that requires extensive travel. My journey has slowed down…my friends have passed me - onto brown and even black…my journey is different than theirs. Th and for the comment.

[@Pric3less1]

You also have to take into account that competitors get held back in order for gyms to sandbag and rack up a bunch of medals at tournaments. Say, a hobbyist who doesn't compete can get their blue belt in about a year or so whereas white belts who compete it usually takes two and sometimes even three years to get their blue belt. Mind you these are the guys who train multiple times per day, multiple times per week, who are also running and taking strength and conditioning classes. I've seen athletically gifted competition white belts straight up maul and literally destroy hobbyist blue belts and even put it on some hobbyist purple belts as well. I've also seen competition purple belts straight up maul and bully some hobbyist black belts too. When I competed at white belt (IBJJF, NABJJF/SIJJF), I fought a bunch of guys who had already been blue belts but signed up for white belt tournaments, and I also fought guys who had backgrounds in both Wrestling and Judo. I think where you live also plays a part as well. The standard in California (where I live and train), New York, Texas, Florida, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado, etc is much much higher than other states in the country and the states I named are basically the Jiu Jitsu strongholds of the USA. I've visited other states like Kansas, Nebraska, Mississippi, Georgia, South Dakota, etc and rolled with some of the purple and brown belts and thought to myself "a lot of you guys wouldn't make the cut at your belt level in Cali". Again, I think that's because sandbagging is so apparent in these states whereas all the other states play by the formula you mentioned fair and square.

[@midlifebjj]

All good points and while I get the sandbagging to rack points in comps...it seems so wring ...it’s the game - I guess. Appreciate the comment!!🙏

[@tgworks5791]

This was my life i came from wrestling and basically rolled with/at a purple level immediately. After a year i never lost to them. But they wouldn’t promote because it hadn’t been long enough yet.

[@Pric3less1]

@@tgworks5791 I wrestled my freshman year of high school and have more years doing Jiu Jitsu and Judo than I do wrestling but because the greater majority of Jiu Jitsu guys can’t/won’t wrestle, even in No Gi, I’ve found myself using my limited wrestling and exploiting their lack of wrestling to my advantage. I know I’m preaching to the choir when I say this but there are a lot of wrestling techniques that can be applied to Jiu Jitsu. Many people think wrestling is just takedowns and it’s not. Wrestlers and Judoka have phenomenal top pressure

[@Pric3less1]

@@tgworks5791 wrestlers and Judoka also tend to be in better shape since grappling from the feet to the ground is very tiring, not to mention wrestlers on a larger scale work out more than BJJ guys do. I see BJJ guys who get tapped by wrestlers or even guys who are just big and strong, will often give backhanded compliments like “wow you’re so strong” and it’s like yeah he’s strong. You’re training in a grappling art but not lifting weights and running? That makes no fucking sense to me. Just like how the Gracies preached that a small person who knows BJJ can easily submit a bigger stronger person who doesn’t train, well what happens when both people are equally technical and are the same size? That’s when the difference in athleticism and conditioning comes into play.

[@tgworks5791]

@@Pric3less1 i agree with everything you’re saying. Part of the issue is bjj is more of a hobby sport and wrestling is a sport taught to kids that is supported at schools as well. This is also part of the reason so many wrestlers go to bjj. After college unless you are world caliber wrestler, wrestling is over for you. You can coach but the support isn’t there to wrestle. It’s a natural transition.

[@PincheeGabe]

I did jj for about a year when i was in high school in 2015 so when i started back again this august it honestly came back to me naturally and i already earned my 2nd stripe on white today. I’ve been training consistently at least 3 times a week and being that it’s my 2nd i know my gym is legit and i feel confident in my abilities but a part of me feels like i was awarded it pretty fast anyone else earn their stripes this fast?

[@Cae20233]

I trained with Royler and Rolker Gracie in Rio, Gracie Humaita. Helio trained these guys since before they could walk, awesome skills. The philosophy was that you would train and compete, you had to do both. If you could compete and beat the belts above you then you were ready for promotion. I was promoted from white to Blue in 5 months after competing and winning competitions in Brasil, also consistently submitting blue belts in the academy. Had guys 10 years in blue and guys taking 5 years to get to black, these guys were strong athletes and trained 6 hours a day, morning and afternoon sessions. Basically went through a belt a year, competed in most competitions, placed medals, beat superior belts in academy, you couldn’t deny their promotion. Can you hold a guy down when he constantly submits superior belts and wins competitions? Time has nothing to do with it, it’s about your skill set, which for most can take a long time. But the true deciding factor is your skills, Helio and his sons believed that if you walked in and submitted Purple belts you deserved a Brown belt, if you submitted the Brown belts then you deserved a Black belt. Some academies, when you visit, don’t honor your belt as a guest. They give you a neutral or Blue and then honor your belt based on your proven skill set once you roll with some of their Brown or Black belts. Helio believed in winning fights, skill set was everything, not time in or money spent. When I first returned to the US after time in Brasil, 2010, I was submitting Black belts as a Purple belt, at many different schools, it was embarrassing to see these schools out here promoting based on time. obviously you want to train with recognized teachers or you’re wasting your time.

[@Arcadianx98]

Been a blue belt for 5 years. I’m a cancerous jerk on the mats. Probably why I don’t get promoted. But I can tap purples and browns. Don’t need belts to get better and there’s a special satisfaction tapping higher belts as a blue

[@jacksonbrewer997]

My school has 11 belts not to say at we have before belts for younger ages normally it takes 5 years but it took me 6 years cuase I did the under belts before

[@ctb3386]

I just started at 47 and don't care much at all about the belts. The men, the friendships, learning something new each time, matters way more than anything. If I get to Blue by 50 awesome, if not, who cares.

[@aeraever625]

i put in about 3-4 sessions every week, of about an hour and a half to 2 a piece, it took me 5 years and 3 months to earn my black, including meeting a red belt as a brown belt xD but i also moved very quickly through purple to brown, but stayed at brown for a long bit of time, i find that plateaus in your skill will happen randomly and depending on your gym you may end up getting stuck in different belts, at different points in between belts, it goes without saying i was stuck at bronw for some time. I had a bad knack for using a lot of physical strength to bypass certain transitions, brute forcing myself through a sweep or a pass, where against other people my size (161lbs, 5'10ish) they wouldnt really be able to combat, but i was also doing so in highschool, where i was also on the weightlifting team, rock climbed avidly, and had a personal love for calisthenics aswell, so in comparison to others, ya boi was fit. I achieved my blackbelt at 19 years old, 4 months before I turned 18.

[@midlifebjj]

that's an awesome timeline...but how did you get your blackbelt at 19 if you got it 4 months before 18...that puts you at 17 years old...or just a type-o?

[@tylerreynolds8499]

Personally I don't think it is super important but it does matter. I'll use myself as an example and time wise I behind, but I like that for competitions. This is because it has been training for 2.5 year and I train about 7 to 9 hours a week, but I have a grey belt( I got it when I was 14 now in 16). I can tap blue belts and can survive against purple belts but I like being behind due to competitions because I am in a white belt division. So I have about the knowledge of a blue belt in the division of a white belt.

[@jamesbarbosa5909]

That’s sounds accurate! Except the hours for white belt. It should less. About a year or 8 months if you are committed to it! 👊🏻 The most important, enjoy the process! OSS!

[@midlifebjj]

I’m a slow learner😂 we just had a 18 year old kid join…wrestled through high school…about 6’1” and 195lbs…beast. Said he got his WB in 8 months…I ain’t got those skills! Appreciate the comment. 🙏

[@g7sky]

been a white belt for almost 7 years

[@midlifebjj]

How often do you train?

[@g7sky]

@@midlifebjj the avg 3 hrs per week but in reality been white since 2010 (so that's 12 year white belt lol) took 4.5 years off due to school - I will be the longest white belt who ever lived lol 🤣

[@chrisgibson3487]

As a martial artist who's trained for 19 years...I've never got my black belt however I trained in mix martial Arts tae kwon do kempo karate etc...and I've found belts aren't important as much as learning the techniques properly

[@gamerboyyylive742]

so which have higher rank? red belt or black belt?

[@midlifebjj]

Red.

[@gamerboyyylive742]

@@midlifebjj and, are there belts of colors like karate in kung fu aswell?

[@midlifebjj]

The main belt colors are white, blue, purple, brown and black.

[@NXG_HQ]

So many variables... Do you train under a colored belt coach or a black belt professor. Does your training circle include many higher belts, or primarily lower ranks... the Journey is your own... you'll get there when you get there.

[@midlifebjj]

I have 2 BB professors. I’m a purple….

[@NXG_HQ]

@@midlifebjj That's awesome brother.

[@midlifebjj]

I miss my blue belt…everybody is chasing me and trying to kill me…😂😂😂

[@radishbeet2130]

As you said, different variables may come into play for the time frames involved. Just today, I read the following, which I found interesting, about why it took Brock Lesnar and his top amateur wrestling training partners, 8 years to get their blue belts: "Speaking directly with FloGrappling, 'Comprido' said: “I’ve been working with Brock now for eight years. The training went down a notch when he went back to WWE and retired, but I still work with him, Cole Konrad and Marty Morgan - NCAA wrestling champions - and they’re at a level way higher than that of a blue belt. "But we can’t jump the belts, right? We were always worried about no-gi in the fight camp, we never had chance for this. So now we had a little more time we did some training in the gi, I decided to give them the belts." In truth, their level is way higher than that of a blue belt, but in line with the rules of the IBJJF we can’t jump belts, a student has to pass through all of the ranks. Also promoted were Lesnar's coach Marty Morgan, a 15-year veteran wrestling coach at the University of Minnesota, and Lesnar's training partner Cole Konrad, an NCAA champion and former MMA fighter who retired as heavyweight champion of Bellator. "Even when my students have a level much higher, winning important things, they must pass through the ranks. I think it’s horrible when I see coaches doing this with MMA fighters, but their level is way higher a blue belt!” www.flograppling.com/articles/5052290-rodrigo-comprido-medeiros-promotes-brock-lesnar-to-blue-belt-in-jiu-jitsu

[@midlifebjj]

Good information in this post! Thank you for sharing. 🙏

[@Garysmith2045]

IBJJF also uses a red and white belt now that you didn't mention.

[@midlifebjj]

The coral belt?

[@Garysmith2045]

@@midlifebjj red and black coral belt at 7th degree, red and white coral belt at 8th degree. As of 2013 per IBJJF.

[@midlifebjj]

I know..I already got called out…but I appreciate the input! 🙏

[@pamoldham9655]

Can you do another video with degrees????

[@midlifebjj]

Do you mean the stripes?

[@pamoldham9655]

Yes. I am thinking of starting BJJ at a local academy and was just wondering so I can know how well I'm progressing. But it might be different since I would be in a youth class, but I don't know.

[@shaunantonelli4673]

When I started I put in 3 to 4 hrs a day 6 days a week for 6 months

[@saint5203]

Approximately 2 to 3 days a week for six years. BJJ purple. He makes a great point. It's ours on the mat that really make a difference. If someone says how long have you been training and you say four years. Some guys that multiple times a day and some guys it's just a night class a couple times a week. Obviously the guys that are going a couple times a day will be much better. There are many variables.

[@midlifebjj]

Appreciate it brother...you totally get it! Some folks beat me up because of the timeline but I was just trying to give some context and insight so folks know what to expect...as a general guideline but not as a concrete process that applies to everyone....thanks for the additional clarification. 🙏 appreciate your support on this channel. Oss🤙

[@sflores1985]

Politics and tournament wins in different belts play a lot in promoting someone. Some professors will hold off promotion for certain individuals to win them accolades in tournaments to make their academy look good. In the end it's a business and you should look at it more as learning the techniques and getting your time on the mats like he said.

[@midlifebjj]

Appreciate the comment!🙏👊

[@bikersoncall]

I've never take BJJ , my view is that someone with a practical mindset is going to want to get to a level where they can reasonably defend themselves, without needing to resort to their CCW, or merely as a sport or combination of both. As a practical self defense tool, I'll bet at the Blue Belt level, you'd have some pretty fair skills, but I wouldn't rely solely on grappling, I'd definitely suggest developing some striking skills to go along with it.

[@midlifebjj]

No argument here...agree with you.

[@bikersoncall]

@@midlifebjj Thanks man. Good info in this episode.

[@Daviddylanaronne]

what is your camera and audio set up?