How many lessons until I get my BJJ Blue Belt?

This was definitely a question on my mind when I started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and continues to be for many other new white belt students. It’s normal, especially in BJJ where the beginning of the journey can be very challenging as everyone seems, and is, better than you. As a beginner, you just want to reach the end of being smashed and submitted by everyone. The blue belt, the next belt in the system after white, can seem to be an impossible level of skill to achieve. Many beginning students just want to get to there as fast as possible.

I never asked what the criteria was for a blue belt prior to my promotion and haven’t asked since. What I have gathered though is you should be able to control and submit someone comparable to you in size, strength, age, etc., who has no grappling training. This is the true power of jiu-jitsu. Because you get to apply the techniques you are learning while “real life” grappling with someone else, and receive real feedback on the effectiveness of your technique. As a blue belt, you should also have an overall understanding of the art and its concepts.

We have an App for our school that allows students to check in to class and also tracks their attendance. Looking at my own data, I was promoted to blue belt just after two years and two months of training, which amounted to 290 sessions for a total about 340 hours. Of course some students will progress faster or slower because of the many factors stated above and their natural skill and frequency of training. I averaged about 2.75 classes a week as a white belt, with my goal being three a week. Life and injuries happen though, and sometimes you go on vacation.

My recommendation is you enjoy the experience and just focus on training. You will get better and eventually you will get promoted. Slow and steady is better than going 100%, getting hurt, and having to take months off or maybe not returning due to injury and burnout. Last and not least important - Be a good training partner! It will benefit you, the other students, and the school so everyone can continue to train and get better!

I’ve been studying Biblical Greek this first semester in Seminary. The New Testament was first written in Greek and by studying the original language we aim gain a better understanding and more of a connection with the scriptures. Learning a language is challenge. It takes effort and time. I remember though and practice the lesson that has been reinforced many times in my life. That is with consistently showing up, giving your best, and not giving up, you learn and get better.

Always keep learning and training!

For those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings of eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31