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Guide

The BJJ Guide

Clear, plain-language answers about Brazilian jiu-jitsu — from "what is BJJ?" to techniques, belts, and history.

Written by The BJJ Story. Each article includes the sources behind its explanations. How we handle sources

Basics

What Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

BJJ is a grappling combat sport built around controlling an opponent and seeking a submission, with much of the action on the ground.

Two training partners meeting on the mat.Drawn in cream, forest green, and muted terracotta. People and objects are symbolic illustrations.
Two training partners meeting on the mat.Illustration: The BJJ Story

The BJJ Belt System: Ranks, Ages, and Minimum Periods

The five main belts in order, with IBJJF age requirements, minimum periods, youth ranks, and exceptions.

IBJJF main ranks for ages 16 and older: white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Senior degrees are not shown.Drawn in cream, forest green, and muted terracotta. People and objects are symbolic illustrations.WhiteBluePurpleBrownBlack
IBJJF main ranks for ages 16 and older: white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Senior degrees are not shown.Illustration: The BJJ Story

How Long Does a BJJ Black Belt Take?

Your instructor decides when you are ready. IBJJF minimum periods set eligibility requirements, not a typical time to black belt.

A winding path beside a gi and training belt.Drawn in cream, forest green, and muted terracotta. People and objects are symbolic illustrations.
A winding path beside a gi and training belt.Illustration: The BJJ Story

Gi vs No-Gi BJJ: Clothing, Grips, and Rules

The uniform changes which grips are legal. The event rules decide the rest.

A gi alongside a rash guard and shorts for no-gi training.Drawn in cream, forest green, and muted terracotta. People and objects are symbolic illustrations.
A gi alongside a rash guard and shorts for no-gi training.Illustration: The BJJ Story

BJJ for Beginners: How to Start

A practical checklist for your first BJJ class and the weeks that follow.

Two training partners meeting on the mat.Drawn in cream, forest green, and muted terracotta. People and objects are symbolic illustrations.
Two training partners meeting on the mat.Illustration: The BJJ Story

BJJ Glossary: Key Terms Explained

Common Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu terms, grouped and defined in plain English.

An open notebook and a pencil for the next detail.Drawn in cream, forest green, and muted terracotta. People and objects are symbolic illustrations.
An open notebook and a pencil for the next detail.Illustration: The BJJ Story

History

Who Invented Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Kano founded judo; Maeda and other teachers brought Japanese practice to Brazil; the Gracies helped develop and promote BJJ.

A map, travel notes, and an ocean crossing; no specific voyage is depicted.Drawn in cream, forest green, and muted terracotta. People and objects are symbolic illustrations.
A map, travel notes, and an ocean crossing; no specific voyage is depicted.Illustration: The BJJ Story

A Documented Timeline of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Five documented milestones that connect judo in Japan with later Brazilian development and UFC 1.

  1. 1882

    Kano opens the Kodokan

  2. 1908–1909

    Jiu-jitsu matches and instruction in Brazil

  3. 1914 onward

    Maeda in Brazil; later teaching in the Amazon

  4. 1930s–1940s

    The Gracies reshape and promote a Brazilian branch

  5. 12 November 1993

    Royce Gracie wins UFC 1

Selected milestones. Spacing is not a time scale.

Five milestones: the Kodokan in 1882; jiu-jitsu in Brazil in 1908–1909; Maeda in Brazil from 1914 and later Amazon teaching; Gracie development in the 1930s–1940s; Royce Gracie’s UFC 1 win on 12 November 1993. Spacing does not represent elapsed time.Illustration: The BJJ Story

BJJ vs Judo: Shared Roots, Different Rules

A throw or pin can end a judo contest. BJJ rewards takedowns and ground control with points while athletes seek a submission.

Two training partners meeting on the mat.Drawn in cream, forest green, and muted terracotta. People and objects are symbolic illustrations.
Two training partners meeting on the mat.Illustration: The BJJ Story

Techniques

What Is the Guard in BJJ?

How the legs control from bottom, and what separates closed, open, and half guard.

BJJ Positions Explained: Guard, Side Control, Mount, and Back

Where each athlete is, what the position is called, and how a sweep or pass changes the exchange.

BJJ Submissions Explained: Armbar, Triangle, and Guillotine

The difference between three named holds, the meaning of a tap, and the rules that govern submissions.

Competition

Major BJJ Competitions: Worlds, Pans, Europeans, and ADCC

Four championship names to recognize, with a side-by-side guide to their formats and rules.

A competition mat, two athletes, and a ringside clock.Drawn in cream, forest green, and muted terracotta. People and objects are symbolic illustrations.
A competition mat, two athletes, and a ringside clock.Illustration: The BJJ Story