The red belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is often considered the most prestigious rank in the sport. It is awarded to only the most experienced and accomplished practitioners. This article will discuss everything you need to know about the red belt in BJJ! We will talk about what it means to receive the rank and some of the responsibilities that come with it. We will also highlight some of the greatest red belts in history and discuss their accomplishments.
See also: A History of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
The red belt is the highest rank in Jiu-Jitsu.
The red belt in BJJ is the level at which a practitioner becomes a “Grand Master” of the sport. The red belt is the highest level of achievement one can earn in BJJ. Achieving a red belt is a lifelong goal for many practitioners.
The red belt is the 9th and 10th degree of the belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
There are a few things that set the red belt apart from other belts:
- The red belt is reserved for those who have shown exceptional knowledge of the art and have been able to develop a high level of students.
- In order to receive this belt, you will need at least forty-eight years of BJJ training and teaching experience.
- The red belt is an honor only a few legends have achieved and will achieve during our lifetime.
- During this time, you must also demonstrate a continued commitment to the art of BJJ and show that you have something new and valuable to share with students.
What does it mean to receive a red belt in BJJ?
The red belt is the highest rank that can be achieved in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is reserved for only the most experienced and accomplished practitioners. Those who achieve the rank of the red belt have dedicated years of their lives to mastering the art of Jiu-Jitsu. They have made a significant contribution to the sport and have helped to shape its evolution. When a practitioner is awarded the red belt, they are not only recognized for their technical ability but also for their leadership and contributions to the community. Awarding a red belt is a very special moment in a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner’s journey.
What are the responsibilities that come with being a red belt in BJJ?
As a red belt in BJJ, you are expected to be a leader and role model for other practitioners. You are also expected to continue your own personal development and contribute to the sport. As a red belt, you have the responsibility of passing on your knowledge and experience to those who are newer to the sport. You should also be active in your community and help to grow and develop Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Who are some of the greatest BJJ red belts in history?
There have been many great red belts throughout history. Some of the most notable include Carlos Gracie Sr, Hélio Gracie, João Alberto Barreto, Rickson Gracie, and Pedro Hemeterio. These practitioners have all made significant contributions to the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Before the red belt was added, the highest rank in Brazilian jiu-jitsu was that of the coral belt. Belts below black were intended for youth only, while the color black generally represented maturity and mastery regardless of age. Gracie’s idea was very well received by all Jiu-Jitsu masters at the time because it allowed older practitioners to keep training without having their accomplishments devalued by younger peers who might outperform them physically due to natural aging process advantages.
It is important to note that no living student of the sport can achieve the 10th degree. The only people who were blessed with the 10th-degree belt were the founders of BJJ. The 10th-degree belt holders are:
- Carlos Gracie Sr. – the founding father of BJJ
- Gastão Gracie – brother of Helio and Carlos
- Jorge Gracie – one of the best fighters the Gracie family has ever had
- Hélio Gracie – another founding father of BJJ
- Oswaldo Gracie – brother of Helio and Carlos
- Luiz França Filho – one of the primary founders of BJJ
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Coral Belts
Before reaching the highly sought-after red belt come the coral belts.
The coral belts are the 7th and 8th degrees of belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The coral belt is given to a black belt who has demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the art and has shown great ability to develop students.
The Red and Black Belt
The red and black belt (coral belt) represents the 7th-degree black belt in BJJ. The red and black belt is given to those who have shown exceptional knowledge of the art and have been able to develop a high level of students. In order to receive this belt, you will need at least thirty years of BJJ training and teaching experience.
In order to move on to the next rank (the red and white belt), the IBJJF requires you to hold the red and black belt for at least seven years. During this time, you must also demonstrate a continued commitment to the art of BJJ and show that you have something new and valuable to share with students.
Notable Red And Black Belt Holders
Some of these notable figures include:
- Carlos “Bagana” Lima
- Rolker Gracie
- Royler Gracie
- Royce Gracie
Each of these individuals has significantly contributed to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu sport. They have helped to shape the evolution of the sport.
The Red and White Belt
The red and white belt is the 8th-degree black belt in BJJ. The red and white belt is given to those who have truly mastered the art of BJJ and have at least 37 years of training “under their belt.”
Before the red and white belt can pass onto the legendary status of the red belt, they need to spend at least ten years training and teaching as a red and white belt.
Notable Red And White Belt Holders
Not many notable BJJ practitioners have achieved the red and white belt. Some of these notable figures include:
- Carlos Gracie, Jr.
- Carlos Machado
- Joe Moreira
- Luiz Palhares
Conclusion
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an incredibly complex and rewarding martial art. Practitioners can achieve many different ranks and belts, but the red belt is undoubtedly the most prestigious. Remember, the red belt is only achieved by those who have dedicated years of their lives to mastering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is an elite group of individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport.
Click here for more information on the Jiu Jitsu belt system.
