How to Get Your Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Reaching the rank of purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a major milestone. It signifies that you’ve moved past the beginner and intermediate stages and are developing your own style and game. If you’re a white or blue belt wondering how long it takes to get there and what path you might take, this guide is for you.

There’s no single way to achieve a purple belt, but most practitioners fall into three main pathways: The Hobbyist, The Competitor, and The Hybrid. Let’s break them down and see which one best describes your journey.

The Three Main Pathways to Purple Belt

1. The Hobbyist Pathway

The hobbyist is the everyday practitioner who trains consistently but doesn’t necessarily compete or push for rapid progression. These individuals may have full-time jobs, families, or other commitments but love training and learning at their own pace.

Typical Training Schedule:

• 3 days a week (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
• Focused on refining techniques and enjoying the process
• May or may not participate in competitions

Timeframe to Purple Belt:

• Generally 4 to 5 years of consistent training

While they may progress at a slower pace, hobbyists who stay consistent will still reach their purple belt through steady improvement and mat time.

2. The Competitor Pathway

Competitors are those who thrive in the challenge of tournaments and train with the goal of getting better for competition. If you’ve already competed at white and blue belt and love the thrill of testing yourself, you likely fall into this category.

Typical Training Schedule:

• 4 to 6 days a week of training
• Regular strength and conditioning
• Competes frequently in local, national, or international tournaments
• Actively works to fix weaknesses through competition experience

Timeframe to Purple Belt:

• Typically 3 to 4 years

Competitors tend to develop at a faster rate because they are constantly testing themselves against live resistance in competition. The ability to analyze mistakes and adapt quickly is key to their success.

3. The Hybrid Pathway

The hybrid is a mix of both the hobbyist and competitor. These practitioners train consistently, focus on skill development, and may compete occasionally. They study Jiu-Jitsu deeply, watching film, keeping up with trends in the sport, and fine-tuning their game even if they don’t compete frequently.

Typical Training Schedule:

• 4 to 5 days a week of training
• Studies matches and techniques online
• Actively works on weaknesses and game plan development

Timeframe to Purple Belt:

• Generally 4 to 5 years

Hybrids have a well-rounded approach and often develop high-level skills without necessarily competing often. Some of the best gym grapplers fall into this category.

Potential Setbacks on the Journey to Purple Belt

While following one of these pathways will likely lead to a purple belt, some common setbacks can slow down your progress:

1. Gym Hopping

If you frequently switch academies, it can slow your progression. Many professors prioritize loyalty and consistency when promoting students. If you’re constantly changing gyms, it can delay your belt promotions, as each professor needs time to evaluate your progress.

2. Injuries

Jiu-Jitsu is a physical sport, and injuries happen. While some are unavoidable, you can control some aspects by training smart and listening to your body. Avoid reckless training partners and take time to recover properly if you do get injured.

3. IBJJF Promotion Timelines

If you compete in IBJJF tournaments, you must meet minimum time requirements for belt promotions. For adults, the timeline is:

• Blue to Purple: Minimum of 2 years
• Purple to Brown: Minimum of 1.5 years
• Brown to Black: Minimum of 1 year

However, if you win an IBJJF World Championship, you may be eligible for early promotion.

The Most Important Factor: Skill Development

While belts are an important milestone, skill development is more crucial than the belt itself. If you focus solely on chasing belts, you may miss out on true progression. Instead, focus on these key areas:

• Developing strong fundamental techniques
• Fixing weaknesses in your game
• Improving defense to build confidence
• Understanding Jiu-Jitsu strategy and positional control
• Staying consistent on the mats

Jiu-Jitsu is an honest sport—your skill level will always show in live rolls. The more time you dedicate to learning, the more your belt rank will reflect your ability.

Final Thoughts

Earning your purple belt is a significant achievement and a sign of deep commitment to Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you’re a hobbyist, competitor, or hybrid, the key is consistency, effort, and a willingness to learn.

Remember: skill development should always take priority over belt promotions. Focus on improving your game, and the promotions will come naturally.

Good luck on your journey to purple belt! If you’re working toward your next belt, let me know in the comments how your journey is going. Thanks for reading, and see you on the mats! 🥋🔥