How Long Does It Take to Get Good at Jiu Jitsu? Setting Realistic Goals as a Beginner

I still remember my first jiu jitsu class as a starry-eyed white belt. After years of watching UFC fights, I was convinced I would subdue my fellow newbies with slick arm bars and rear naked chokes during my inaugural roll.

Five minutes later, I was schooled by a scrawny 15-year-old who casually passed my guard and tapped me out multiple times using techniques I didn’t even know existed. My pride battered, I quickly realized mastery in jiu jitsu would not come easy.

Progress in jiu jitsu is measured in years and decades, not days and weeks. Any newbie who dreams of submitting opponents left and right after a few months of casual training is in for a rude awakening. However, for those who persist through the grind, small wins accumulate into substantial gains over time.

This article provides a roadmap of realistic milestones for jiu jitsu beginners across the major belt levels. Understanding the incremental skills you should develop at each stage will help motivate sustained effort on the long path towards expertise.

Defining Proficiency Levels in Jiu Jitsu

Unlike other martial arts where students can earn black belts relatively quickly, jiu jitsu ranks skill levels using five colored belts – white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Typically, it takes 8-10 years of consistent training to attain a black belt, while progressing through the earlier belts signals important benchmarks along the path.

However, there are substantial variations in skill levels even within the same belt, which can be misleading. An old-school black belt recipient is usually an elite competitor and grappling savant, while today’s slow proliferation of children’s jiu jitsu programs means that child black belts may be competent grapplers but rarely world beaters.

Meanwhile, a seasoned blue belt can sometimes tap newer black belts if they specialized in a narrow subset of techniques. As such, one must look at rank in the context of experience and competition levels to truly gauge jiu jitsu skill.

The upcoming sections outline key performance goals for adult jiu jitsu practitioners during each belt ranking, which collectively build towards mastery of the art.

Setting Expectations as a Brand New White Belt

White belts face a trial by fire upon first stepping foot into a jiu jitsu gym. Even ten minutes of sparring leaves newbies covered in sweat and gasping for air.

Survival during this phase means not achieving spectacular success but rather avoiding utter failure as smaller, weaker, and more skilled partners dominate you effortlessly. Here are some realistic performance goals for the first 3 months of jiu jitsu training:

• Attend 2-3 classes per week. This may be the minimum class frequency needed to retain techniques from week to week. Any less and it will take much longer to progress through the steepest part of the white belt learning curve. At higher frequencies, burnout becomes likely.
• Learn basic positions. White belts should focus on learning the fundamental positions of jiu jitsu such as closed guard, mount, side control, knee on belly, and north-south. Mastering body positioning and leverage principles in these staple spots forms the foundation for future technique acquisition.
• Memorize major submissions. It is unlikely white belts can actually apply submissions yet, but key techniques such as the armbar, cross collar choke, triangle choke, and kimura should at least be familiar and drilled repetitively to develop muscle memory.
• Avoid muscling through techniques. Jiu jitsu relies on superior body positioning and leverage to achieve control and submissions. As a beginner, focusing on proper technique execution rather than using athleticism or strength prevents injuries and fatigue.
• Survive and escape dominant positions. Survival should be the goal for white belts who routinely face disadvantageous positions. Escaping positions like side control and mount through technical concepts like framing shows development of defensive skills.
• Relax and think strategically. Beginners tense up, leading to gassing out physically and mentally. The faster one slows down, breathes, and thinks calmly about next steps, the quicker jiu jitsu instincts develop.
• Get tapped…a lot! Ego must be checked early during jiu jitsu infancy. Expect to tap continuously while analyzing why you lost each exchange and remaining stoic during defeats.

A successful benchmark after 3 months in the white belt phase is consistently applying one or two techniques such as the kimura or scissor sweep effectively during rolls. Though it may take over 100 repetitions to nail down the setups and details of a new move, nothing replaces the pressure testing of using techniques against resistance.

Eventually, your techniques will start clicking into place and taps will become more frequent and submissions defense more instinctive. The endless defeats endured early on make these initial milestones incredibly rewarding.

Progressing Through White Belt

The trials of a white belt never fully dissipate, but between 3-12 months some consistency in applying techniques emerges amidst the setbacks. Here are some performance goals for white belts at the 6 month to 1 year mark:

• Attend 3-4 classes per week plus open mat. More frequent attendance accelerates progress by maximizing sparring rounds and building comfort rolling at high intensity. Open mats provide low pressure extra reps.
• Expand breadth of techniques. While depth of knowledge still pales compared to senior grapplers, white belts should slowly expand their library beyond the basics in each position to counter predictable reactions.
• Develop a small go-to skill set. Experiment in live rolls to identify 2-3 high success techniques to rely upon when things get chaotic or competitive. However, avoid becoming a one trick pony by shoring up weaknesses too.
• Start to chain moves together. Flow between complementary techniques like armbar to triangle choke or scissor sweep to knee on belly rather than treating each technique in isolation. Think sequences, not singular moves.
• Increase situational awareness. As mat vision develops, white belts better track opponent movements, identify patterns, and capitalize on mistakes. Subtle environmental queues now inform next moves instead of tunnel vision grappling.
• Escape bad spots 60% of time via technique. Rely less on athletic abilities when stuck under side control or mount and focus more on technical principles like proper framing, shrimping, and leg pummeling to regain guard or scramble back up.

For a white belt at the 6-12 month mark, a reasonable goal is regularly submitting brand new white belt partners occasionally and surviving rolls against blue belts through defensive positioning. You likely won’t tap advanced opponents yet, but stalemates signify positive progress.

Approaching Blue Belt

Anywhere between one to three years on average, white belts reach a tipping point where they shift from prey to legitimate threats on the mats. This signals preparedness for blue belt promotion, assuming other criteria around community participation and etiquette duties are also fulfilled. White belts approaching blue belt level display these traits:

• Possess excellent defense fundamentals. Blue belt candidates defend submissions impressively due to superior positional awareness and safety consciousness compared to beginners.
• Have competitive rolls with other white belts. The tides turn as these white belts increasingly challenge and submit their white and blue belt peers at will, though some advanced blues still prove elusive.
• Comfortable rolling at high intensity. They no longer gas out easily due to better cardio and the ability to relax during exchanges. This helps them train more frequently and stay uninjured.
• Establish a dangerous guard. While no guard is impenetrable, these white belts regularly sweep and submit both newer and veteran training partners alike if they can first achieve a strong guard position.
• Develop 2-3 offensive “bread-and-butter” techniques that work for their body-type. Whether flexibility lends itself to triangles or physical strength enables crushing pressure passes, capitalizing on natural attributes with versatile, dangerous go-to moves is essential at this level.
• Take notes after rolls to analyze areas of difficulty. Win or lose, self-reflection after sparring identifies holes in their games for targeted remediation, accelerating the learning curve.
• Attend 4-5 classes per week plus competitions. Increased training frequency plus testing skills against intense resistance in tournaments now primes their abilities.

After spending 2-3 years grinding through the white belt ranks, the newly minted blue belt still has vast room for improvement but earned their first bar on the journey towards jiu jitsu mastery. The learning continues, and the expectations only heighten.

Early Progress as a Blue Belt

Freshly promoted blue belts enjoy a honeymoon period upon receiving their new rank as they feast on former white belt peers who they previously struggled against.

However, the bliss quickly fades as they now face savage beatings from the sea of elite upper belts above them. Survival demands even more finely tuned defensive abilities and constant pressure testing against high level training partners. Here are some performance milestones for newly minted blue belts:

• Work on more advanced open guards like spider guard or DLR guard. Now confident in their defensive fundamentals from closed guard, half guard, and other basics, developing specialized open guards expands their submission threats after sweeps.
• Chain together sequences involving multiple setups rather than singular techniques. Their grappling vocabulary expands as they combine moves like arm drag to back take or fake guard pass to leg lock entry rather than relying on one-off techniques.
• Comfortably roll hard against other blue belts at 70-80% intensity. They increasingly dominate lower ranks at full speed and have competitive wars against most grapplers below purple belt.
• Still get tapped often by advanced training partners. Humbled by upper belts, newly promoted blue belts lack the defensive polish and positional escapes to withstand the assault from seasoned purple, brown and black belt adversaries…for now. surviving
• Able to consistently dominate brand new white belts with ease. Fresh meat provides reminders of their progress made thus far against hapless beginners.

After 6-12 months at blue belt, a reasonable goal involves surviving rolls against purple and brown belts through improved defensive tactics and scrambling.

Achieving submissions is rare, but just stabilizing bad positions signals respectably minimized knowledge gaps compared to the elite ranks they aspire towards. Of course, any successes tapping upper belts become treasured moments and fuel for the ego.

The Long Road from Blue to Purple Belt

The blue belt ranks represent the true litmus test for practitioners who desire more than casual participation and get fit aims from jiu jitsu. Many ambitious white belts quit after collecting their blue belts, falsely believing they now count as experts following years of intense training.

In reality, blue belts have only scratched the surface, with a punishing decade plus journey still ahead for those single-mindedly pursuing the final black belt milestone.

It requires insane consistency, gritty determination, and an analytical obsession with the finer technical details to navigate successfully through blue belt and beyond. Here are some of the long-term performance objectives a blues belt must fulfil before achieving purple belt status:

• Extensive mat time – attend classes 5+ days per week. Purple belt skills emerge only from extensive sparring experience across countless rolls rather than any defined curriculum or drills. Spending less time on the mats invariably prolongs the path.
• Comfortably apply a wide variety of guards and techniques rather than a limited game. Well-rounded skills let blue belts tailor approaches to specific opponents rather than relying on predictable A games at all times or struggling with particular situations like leg locks.
• Blend takedowns into a smooth ground game rather than starting rolls from the knees. Once comfortable with advanced open guards, takedowns bolster a holistic grappling arsenal to better apply skills freestyle wrestling or judo throws against resisting foes.
• Submission defense and escapes are high percentage from most bad spots. Blues survive extended time even under mount or back control using refined escapes and denial principles before attempting offense. They submit much less frequently.
• Implement more advanced open guards like de la Riva guard (DLR), spider guard, or deep half guard. Open guards pose substantial submission threats yet still allow technical standups to score takedowns as needed while shutting down smash passes.
• Expand their games to include leg locks, wrist locks, and other unorthodox tactics as needed. Once proficient in high percentage chokes, arm bars and sweeps from common positions, unusual techniques surprise stubborn opponents and catch them off guard.
• Compete regularly to truly pressure test skills. Tournaments against intense resistance accelerate competence faster than any training room time against teammates holding back. Competing provides unrivaled experience.

As a result of these efforts, blue belts on the purple belt path should:

• Increasingly be less submittable against all but elite brown and black belts.
• Regularly tap other blue, and occasionally even purple belt, training partners.
• Feel few noticeable holes remain in their games. Opponents still pass their guards, achieve dominant spots, and submit them of course, but no individual positions represent glaring weaknesses anymore susceptible to targeting.

Overall, receiving a purple belt may take dedicated blue belts between 2-5 years or potentially longer. Their games should show depth across a variety of tactics, rangy applicability across scenarios, and sharper instincts for shutting opponents down. After an arduous journey, the final ascent towards a black belt now at least seems tangibly achievable.

Conclusion

Our ego tricks us into coveting the black belt from day one as an absolute status symbol of prowess. Yet black belts come in many flavors, and years of grueling effort must pass before credibly claiming expertise in jiu jitsu. Each small gain gradually builds depth of knowledge and breadth of skills towards technical mastery.

This long path demands patience and sustained commitment from individuals who pursue jiu jitsu excellence. But through incremental wins and belt promotions, barriers eventually fall as grappling increasingly flows instinctively after endless drilling and sparring reps.

Set realistic expectations by belt level as detailed in this article, focusing on tangible process goals rather than the seemingly impossible end result of a black belt. Trust that minor daily improvements sum towards major progress over months and years. And above all, embrace the grind while staying humble and analytical. Now get out there, train hard, tap often, and inch ever closer towards legitimately calling yourself a jiu jitsu player one day!

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FAQs

How long does it really take to get a black belt in jiu jitsu?

It typically takes 8-10 years of consistent training multiple times per week to achieve a legitimate black belt in jiu jitsu.

What should I expect as a complete beginner in my first jiu jitsu class?

As a total newcomer, expect to be utterly lost the first few classes. You will likely flail to execute basic techniques, get submitted effortlessly, and be exhausted both mentally and physically. This humbling process helps you check your ego. Accept the feeling of not belonging yet through consistent attendance.

Is it unrealistic to think I’ll be submitting all my partners after a few months?

Yes, that expectation is extremely unrealistic. Mastering defense should be your priority as a beginner before hunting submissions against resisting opponents. Focus instead on escaping bad positions and achieving superior positioning first. Your offense will slowly develop in time.

How often should I train as a beginner to improve?

Ideally attend a minimum of two classes per week but optimally closer to three as a new white belt. Your body needs recovery time while also honing muscle memory. Take rest days to prevent burning out or injuries sidelining your ability to learn at this critical stage.

How technical should I be as a white belt vs. using strength?

Avoid muscling or using athleticism as a beginner, instead emphasizing proper technique execution and leverage principles. This prevents bad habits, reduces injury risks, and ingrains key fundamentals. Relying on strength or speed suggests lack of finesse that must be addressed.

What are a few basic submissions I should start with as a beginner?

Fundamental arm bars, triangle chokes, cross collar chokes, and kimuras from top or bottom positions provide a strong submission starting point for white belts. Master these high percentage techniques first before branching out.

How long does it take the average person to get their blue belt?

Most people earn their blue belt after consistently training for between one to three years at least twice per week minimum. Ensure your technical know-how meets rank requirements rather than pure mat time when up for blue belt consideration.

What should I work on as a new blue belt?

Expand your defensive skills and begin pressure testing with more resistance. Learn a wider range of techniques like open guards while also refining a smaller set of offensive go-to moves that work for your body type and style.

How will I know when I’m ready for my purple belt?

You likely qualify for purple belt when you can comfortably tap other blue belts, survive rolls with brown belts through defense, possess very few glaring technical weak spots, and display seasoned poise under pressure against resistance.

Is a black belt only about the techniques you know?

No. Black belt mastery transcends techniques alone. It also requires deeply ingrained instincts, split second decision making, unparalleled situational awareness, and adapting to any style. Knowledge alone does not suffice without extensive pressure testing against intense resistance over time.

Should I cross train in wrestling or judo along with jiu jitsu?

Yes, complementary grappling styles like wrestling and judo accelerate jiu jitsu abilities. They expand your overall skills for takedowns and transitions between the standing and ground phases. Cross training reduces gaps if pure jiu jitsu has holes in stand up aspects.

Do I need to compete a lot if I want reach black belt quickly?

Regular competition speeds up competence as you refine techniques against fully resisting opponents. Frequent pressure testing in tournaments teaches you to perform under crushing pressure. So compete as much as possible if prioritizing rank progression over hobbyist training.

How do I set realistic benchmarks for my unique goals in jiu jitsu?

Analyze your current skill gaps and weak areas. Set tangible process-oriented goals that address those holes through metrics like classes per week, new techniques to integrate, conditioning targets to hit, competitions to enter, and smaller milestones to signify progress.

Is there an ideal schedule that guarantees fast progression?

No universally perfect schedule guarantees continuous rank ascension since everyone progresses differently. But more frequent attendance like 4-5 days per week does correlate to faster skill development for most. Consistency over years offers the best gauge of eventual black belt potential.

How important is fitness vs technique especially as a beginner?

Both elements are important from day one as they are interconnected. But master techniques before strength and conditioning for injury prevention. Use technical leverage first. Fitness accelerates skills later. Don’t try to rely on athletic attributes if fundamentals remain unrefined.

What injuries should I expect and protect against?

Beware finger and toe ligament/joint injuries. Tap early rather than toughing out submissions. Prioritize defense by protecting neck, elbows and knees too. Build supplementary strength carefully to support key grappling areas while maintaining flexibility.

Can I reach black belt if I start training in my 30s or 40s?

Absolutely. Plenty of people begin jiu jitsu later in life due to previous athletic experience transferring well or more free time to train frequently. Focus on injury prevention and gradual ramp up as an adult beginner but black belt remains achievable through consistency.

How essential is private coaching versus regular group classes?

Both avenues facilitate learning in different ways. Group classes build well-roundedness across positions through varied drilling and sparring partners. Privates accelerate personalization for your style. Blend both approaches but don’t rely solely on solo lessons if trying to deeply engrain skills.

What should I do when I reach an extended plateau?

Plateaus eventually hit everyone, even at advanced levels. Power through by analyzing holes, emphasizing positions you struggle with, sparring opponents with different body types, exploring unfamiliar techniques, filming rolls for external feedback, competing more, or cross training complementary disciplines. Vary approaches to spur growth again.

How do I stay motivated for the 10+ year black belt grind?

Celebrate small daily and weekly wins rather than focusing exclusively on the seemingly impossible end goal years away. Trust in cumulative progress through sustained attendance. Embrace losses and analyze them to hunger for lessons. Visualize future ranked self executing techniques you currently fail at.

Is jiu jitsu training enough for MMA and self defense?

Jiu jitsu forms a strong dedicated grappling base for MMA and street altercations but should be complemented by striking arts to offer complete self defense. Prioritize weapons defense, wrist grabs/locks, guard pulling caution, and standing transitions too if self defense focuses.

What feedback should I give training partners who always smash me?

First applaud their abilities and control to boost morale while also encouraging them to optimize your learning too. Provide sincere compliments on tactics you struggle with. Ask questions for advice. Request they identify 1-2 of your technical holes to work on together in future rolls by imposing specific restraints on themselves that test your weaknesses. Guide them to invested development in your growth while leveraging their skills.

Is training gi or no gi better to get good fast?

Both training modalities are essential to round out holistic grappling competence. Gi facilitates more control and set up opportunities with grips. No gi demands tighter technique execution and scrappy transitions. Blend both arts to pressure test skills against varying resistance requirements.

How do I put together sequenced combinations?

Plan complementary 1-2 step transitions like armdrag to back take rather than singular moves in isolation. Chain submissions like triangle setup to armbar finish. Mimic combinations