Kids and Teens BJJ Belts: Ranks, Stripes, and How Promotions Work

1) Kids vs. Teens: Which Belt System Are We Using?

Most academies follow the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) belt structure.

Kids belts (ages 4-15)

Kids do not use adult belts like blue, purple, and brown. They use a youth system:

White - Grey (variants) - Yellow (variants) - Orange (variants) - Green (variants)

Each color group (grey, yellow, orange, green) has three belt versions:

• Color + white stripe
• Solid color
• Color + black stripe

Teen belts (depends on age)

This is where people get confused because "teen class" is a class label, not always a belt label.

• Teens age 13-15 usually still follow the kids belt system (up through green).
• Once a student is in the year they turn 16, they move into the adult belt system (white, blue, purple, brown, black).
• Blue belt has a minimum age of 16 in the IBJJF system.

So yes: one teen might be a green belt and another teen might be a blue belt.

2) Kids Belt Ranks (In Order)

Here is the full IBJJF kids list for ages 4-15:

1. White
2. Grey/White
3. Grey
4. Grey/Black
5. Yellow/White
6. Yellow
7. Yellow/Black
8. Orange/White
9. Orange
10. Orange/Black
11. Green/White
12. Green
13. Green/Black

Minimum ages by color group (IBJJF)

• Grey group: ages 4-15
• Yellow group: ages 7-15
• Orange group: ages 10-15
• Green group: ages 13-15

This does not mean a kid must get that belt at that age. It means that belt group is age-appropriate inside the system.

3) What Do Stripes Mean?

Stripes are small progress markers on the belt. Think of stripes as your coach saying:

• "You are improving."
• "You are training consistently."
• "You are safer, sharper, and more focused than last month."

Stripes are not a worldwide law. Different schools do them differently.

What stays consistent is the purpose: steady progress, clear goals, and positive recognition.

4) How Often Do Kids Get Stripes?

There is no universal stripe schedule, and that is normal.

IBJJF provides multiple suggested ways to award kids degrees (stripe-style progress markers), including monthly, triannual, and quarterly options, so schools can choose what fits their program best. (IBJJF)

The practical answer: stripes show up when a child is doing the work on the mat and showing growth off the mat.

5) What Earns a Stripe (and What Does Not)

The stripe checklist most coaches care about

Safety

• Uses control (no wild slams and no cranky nonsense)
• Knows when to stop
• Can fall and move without panic

Consistency

• Shows up
• Tries even when tired
• Keeps improving over weeks, not one random good day

Focus + Coachability

• Listens
• Follows directions
• Works with partners respectfully

Skill Growth

• Improves basic positions (guard, mount, side control, back)
• Understands simple escapes
• Can do core moves with good form

What does not automatically earn stripes

• "My kid beat someone bigger."
• "My kid cried less today."
• "My kid won one round."

Cool moments are fun, but promotions are about repeatable skills and safe behavior.

6) How Kids Earn the Next Belt

A belt promotion is usually based on readiness, not a written test.

Most coaches look for:

• Skill: can the student do fundamentals with control?
• Maturity: can they handle pressure and frustration?
• Consistency: are they actually training?
• Leadership: do they help keep the room respectful and safe?

Important IBJJF note about timing

For kids ages 4-15, IBJJF states there is no minimum required time in each belt. Coaches can promote based on development and readiness, especially because kids grow at different speeds physically and emotionally.

7) What Each Kids Belt Color Usually Represents

This is not official law. It is a parent-friendly way to understand what you are seeing.

White belt (kids)

• Learning rules, safe movement, and basic positions
• Main focus: being safe + learning how class works

Grey belts

• Better balance and base
• Understands simple escapes and top-control basics
• Starts rolling with more awareness

Yellow belts

• More confidence under pressure
• Can connect one to two moves together
• Better guard work and passing basics

Orange belts

• More control during live rounds
• Better timing and decision-making
• Less random motion, more problem-solving

Green belts (top of kids system)

• Strong fundamentals
• Can roll with control against many partners
• Often shows leadership and helps newer students
• Final kids belt group before the 16+ system

8) When Does a Teen Become a Blue Belt?

In the IBJJF system:

• Blue belt is 16+
• Athletes move into the adult belt system in the year they turn 16

That does not mean every 16-year-old gets a blue belt instantly. It means they are now in the adult belt track, and the coach decides the right timing based on readiness.

9) Parent FAQs

A Simple Way to Think About It

Belts and stripes are a progress map, not a trophy shelf.

If your child is safer than last month, more focused than last month, and more skilled than last month, they are on track.

Sources (Belt Structure + Age Rules)

• IBJJF Graduation System page (includes kids degree and stripe system options).
• IBJJF "General System of Graduation" PDF (kids belt list, minimum ages, transition to adult system, and time-in-grade notes).

Want Help Picking the Right Class for Your Child?

We can help you choose the best starting lane for kids and teens based on age, temperament, and schedule.

Sensei Sandy BJJ - Catskills / Tannersville, NY.