2023 Summer Graduation

Graduating with a new belt in BJJ holds significant importance and is considered a major milestone in a practitioner's journey. It is a symbol of accomplishment, progress, personal growth, and a deeply powerful motivator. It represents technical proficiency, dedication, and a commitment to the values of martial art. Additionally, it fosters a sense of community, and responsibility, and marks another step taken in the lifelong pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement.

We want to congratulate everyone who was promoted at graduation last November and we look forward to promoting many of you at our summer graduation on June 10th! Whether you are a professor or a student, we all advance together and graduation is the time to recognize and celebrate these advancements!

How does the belt system work?

Each belt represents a level of proficiency and knowledge in BJJ. Graduating with a higher belt indicates you have demonstrated technical skills, an understanding of concepts, and the ability to apply techniques effectively. It signifies progress in your training and validates your growth as a martial artist. At JSBJJ, we follow the IBJJF belt system which is recognized as the official belt system for jiu-jitsu.  A brief overview of the graduation system is listed below, however, please keep in mind that these are the minimum times but there are other factors that JSBJJ considers in granting promotions:

Athletes from 18 years old - White Belt to Brown Belt (Adult and Masters)

White Belt: No minimum time.

Blue Belt:

a. 2 (two) years.
b. 1 (one) year if the athlete was previously registered as a Grey, Yellow, or Orange Belt.

c. No minimum period if the athlete was previously registered as a Green Belt.
d. No minimum period if the athlete was previously registered as a Blue Belt Juvenile.

e. No minimum period if the athlete is the Adult Blue Belt World Champion.

Purple Belt:
a. 1 (one) year and a half.
b. 1 (one) year if the athlete was previously registered as a Blue Belt Juvenile.
c. No minimum period if the athlete was previously registered as an Orange or Green Belt and as a Juvenile Blue Belt.

d. No minimum period if the athlete was previously registered as a Juvenile Purple Belt.
e. No minimum period if the athlete is the Adult Purple Belt World Champion.

Brown Belt:
a. 1 (one) year.
b. No minimum period if the athlete is the Adult Brown Belt World Champion.

Athletes from the Black Belt:

Black Belt: 31 years. Graded every 3, 5, 7, and 10 years.
Red and Black Belt: 7 years. Red and White Belt: 10 years. Red Belt: undefined.

How do I get promoted?

With the official BJJ belt system in mind, graduating with a new belt is at the professor’s discretion. It depends on your training time overall, your progress and development, your commitment to training in classes, your attitude and respect towards your training partners, coaches, and staff, and your treatment of the gym space. At JSBJJ we consider all of the above. It’s not just about showing up and getting your attendance, it’s about being an active part of this team. Remember: with each new belt comes increased responsibility. Graduating with a new belt at JSBJJ means accepting the responsibility to lead and inspire others, promoting growth and development within the martial arts community and in our JS family.

So, what if you don’t get promoted? Of course, not everyone will be promoted on graduation day but that should not halt your progress or crush your motivation. Your belt reflects many things including your overall progress, so trust that your professors, who have a wider perspective of what they are looking for in each belt, will promote you when you are ready.

Remember that graduation day is meant for all JSBJJ members to celebrate our progress and achievements and spend time together as a team. Even if you are fairly certain that you are not graduating with another belt, we still want you to attend! For example, if you were promoted from white belt to blue belt at the last graduation ceremony in November 2022, you will not be graduating with your purple belt just yet! However, it is important to come and celebrate with your team. BJJ is known for its strong community and camaraderie among practitioners and we are proud to have a strong, close-knit family at JSBJJ that supports one another’s achievements. Whether you are promoted or not, we encourage you to remain humble, open-minded, and committed to continuous learning and improvement. Remember, we are a team and a family. Your time will come! 

Summer graduation is open to all adult members, whether new or seasoned, and we hope to see you there!

Summer Adult Graduation is June 10th at 1:00 pm at the GAA Club in Drimnagh. Please sign up by June 2nd! The cost is €15 per person. Please wear your white kimono and belt. There are changing rooms at the GAA club. We look forward to seeing you there!