We have just released our new BJJ belts. Our first jiu jitsu belts were extremely thick, with heavy kanji embroidery. Our second batch of jiu jitsu belts was very different, coming in a soft, pre-washed fabric that hung loose around the body. Now for our third batch of belts, we’ve come up with a balance of the two, with a sturdy, midweight belt with a beautiful high definition woven label.
The length of these belts is as follows.
A0 – 225cm
A1 – 255cm
A2 – 290cm
A3 – 305cm
A4 – 320cm
A5 – 335cm
There is a lot of debate about whether or not to wash your jiu jitsu belt. Our advice is as follows – it is never a good idea not to wash something that you use during athletic endeavours! Sweat and bacteria will build up in the cotton layers of the belt, making it a breeding ground for nasty stuff. It is recommended to wash your belt at least once every few training sessions. However be cautious – wash the belt low and let it hang to dry. It may be very sensitive to shrinkage, especially the first time and if washed at anything above cold water.
The core message of the label is “Enjoyment & Endurance”, two things we’ve found over the years to be the primary ingredient in your jiu jitsu life. Sometimes you’ll feel like you’re enjoying training jiu jitsu, sometimes you feel like you’re just enduring it. But both are essential ingredients on your jiu jitsu journey.
The Brazilian jiu jitsu belt grading system, if you’re not familiar with it, goes as follows:
White belt
Some people say this is the most important belt, but they’re wrong. You absolutely suck as a white belt. Your jiu jitsu is terrible and you gas out constantly because you are too tense. Training is largely an exercise in frustration as you get repeatedly pummelled into the mats.
Blue belt
The belt where you are no longer a beginner, and you might learn to relax just a tiny bit when rolling. You can lord it over the white belts, as you are now no longer the lowest rank in the gym. But you still basically suck and will try to guillotine people from under side control.
Purple belt
This is the belt where you start to think you know some jiu jitsu. Most people develop a good guard at purple belt and some spend a lot of time working on defence. You’re getting pretty decent now, and you probably have some gnarly fingers by this point.
Brown belt
Shit is getting serious now. You’re likely in this for the long haul. You’ll have one or two serious injuries. After spending the majority of purple belt on your back, you will have had enough of that and you’ll start smashing. White belt is a distant memory now.
Black belt
In a way, you’re back to square one. On any given day you could step onto the mat to compete with the idols you grew up watching, and they will confirm for you that you still suck at jiu jitsu – that is if you still enter the adult division. It’s now forbidden for you to tap to white, blue or purple belts – if you do, you need to hand your black belt back to your instructor.
The average time between belts is around two to three years. Owning and investing in a good jiu jitsu belt is always a good idea. We’ve had customers in the past buy belt ranks above their rank just to prepare and in case of low stock when they are ready to grade.
These belts follow the IBJJF guidelines for belts to be worn in competition.
Always remember the wise words of Mr Miyagi:
Mr. Miyagi: In Okinawa, belt mean no need rope to hold up pants. [laughs; then, seriously] Daniel-san, karate here. [taps his head] Karate here. [taps his heart] Karate never here. [points to his belt] Understand?
