What Is a Red Belt in BJJ?
The red belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu is the highest achievable belt. It is only awarded to those who have had a massive influence on the sport of jiu jitsu as well as a life time study of the martial art.
For reference, the youngest person to ever achieve a red belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu is Carlos Antonio Rosado who received it at the age of 40 with 25 years of jiu jitsu training.
List of All Red Belts
On the other hand, the 10th-degree red belts only consist of the original Gracie brothers; Carlos Gracie, Gastão Gracie Filho, George Gracie, Helio Grace, and Oswaldo Gracie.
In total, there are 27 registered red belt holders on the official IBJJF website. The numbers may differ if it includes unregistered red belts.
There are two degrees to a red belt; the red belt is 9th degree and the red belt 10th degree.
The 9th-degree red belt is the highest rank granted to any currently living BJJ practitioner.
So yes, there are still living red belt holders in the world. In fact, according to the official IBJJF website, there are 22 9th-degree red belt holders, not to mention many more unregistered ones.
However, the 10th-degree red belt is a different case. There are no living 10th-degree red belts in the world as these belts are reserved for the pioneers of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; the Gracie Brothers ( Carlos, Gastão, George, Oswaldo, and Helio).
Who Are the Notable BJJ Red Belt Holders?
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu red belt holders include both Gracie and Non-Gracie lineage masters, all of whom have dedicated their lives to the sport.
10th-Degree BJJ Red Belts (Founders of BJJ)
The 10th-degree belts are exclusively awarded to the pioneers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—the original Gracie family members:
- Carlos Gracie
- Helio Gracie
- Gastão Gracie Filho
- George Gracie
- Oswaldo Gracie
Notable 9th-Degree Black Belt Red Belts
- Carlson Gracie
- Robson Gracie
- Carley Gracie
- Rickson Gracie
- Rorion Gracie
- Renzo Gracie
- Rodrigo Gracie
- Royler Gracie
Non-Gracie Lineage Red Belts
While the Gracie family shaped much of BJJ’s early history, several Non-Gracie lineage masters also achieved ninth-degree black belt and title grandmaster status:
- Oswaldo Fadda – Known for spreading BJJ beyond the Gracie Academy, particularly focusing on teaching the working-class and incorporating luta livre.
- Francisco Mansor – Founder of Kioto BJJ and one of the first non-Gracie red belts.
- Mauricio Strauch – Influential in developing self-defense systems in BJJ.
- Paulo Mauricio Strauch – A key innovator in guard work and submissions.
- Eduardo Gomes Pereira & Nilton Pereira da Silva – Important figures in spreading BJJ worldwide.
- Nahum Rabay & Geny Rebelo – Pioneers in Brazil’s BJJ education system.
- Wilson Mattos & Equipe Mestre Wilson – BJJ masters who contributed to the sport’s growth in Rio de Janeiro.
Who Is the Youngest BJJ Red Belt
The youngest to earn a BJJ 9th-degree red belt is Carlos Antonio Rosado.
He is the youngest to receive the nominal rank in martial arts and the sole recognized red belt by Master Carlson Gracie, one of the most important and influential Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners.
Carlos Rosado is a legendary figure in BJJ and one of the true historic figures of our sport and one of the most formidable technical grapplers in history.
BJJ Belt Progression: From White Belt to Red Belt
- White Belt – The beginner’s belt where students build a foundation of techniques. At this stage, a white belt level practitioner is introduced to the fundamental movements, positional escapes, and basic submissions.
- Blue Belt Level – Marking the first significant progression, blue belts develop defensive skills and begin refining their game.
- Purple Belt – A purple belt level practitioner starts applying advanced strategies, combining technical knowledge with practical skill.
- Brown Belts – At this stage, practitioners have an adult belt that signifies a deeper understanding of BJJ, often teaching lower-ranked students and refining techniques for the black belt level.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt – Considered the pinnacle of skill, black belts continuously improve their level of skill, with further promotions leading to degree black advancements.
- Coral Belts (7th and 8th Degree) – These alternating red-and-black belts serve as a transition to the red belt.
- Red Belt (9th and 10th Degree) – The highest honor, symbolizing a lifetime of dedicated training and contributions to BJJ.
How Hard Is It to Get a Red Belt in BJJ?
Earning a red belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is the rarest and most difficult achievement in the martial art. It signifies a lifetime of dedicated training, technical knowledge, teaching, and contributions to the sport. Unlike other martial arts, where the highest belts can be achieved within a few decades, a BJJ red belt requires at least 50 years of active involvement—making it nearly impossible for most practitioners.
How Common Are Red Belts in BJJ?
Rener Gracie estimates that just 10% of new BJJ students will earn a blue belt, and even more interesting is that only 1% of that 10% will acquire a black belt.
Thus, earning a red belt is a very steep climb with less than .001% ever achieving a red belt.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Red Belt in BJJ
Red belts are regarded as “Grand Masters” in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Generally, it will take you at least 50 years of consistent training/coaching to achieve the red belt.
The BJJ community will not promote anyone above a 9th-degree red belt level out of respect for the pioneers and original Gracie brothers (Carlos, Gasto, George, Oswaldo, and Hélio Gracie).
According to the IBJJF website, just 22 people have attained a BJJ red belt too far. Many of the 22 have died, and even fewer are still alive.
How Do You Earn a Red Belt in BJJ?
As mentioned, each rank in BJJ requires a certain level of effort, dedication, and enthusiasm. That is certainly more true when aiming for the red belt.
First, you have to go through 4 belts – white, blue, purple, and brown – each with four corresponding degrees and prerequisites to advance.
Then you have to endure six degrees of being a black belt and proceed to two transitional degrees of coral belts before achieving a red belt.
It takes at least half a century to be promoted to a 9th-degree red belt.
It’s not impossible! If you have what it takes to be a red belt holder, then you can devote your life to it.
What’s a BJJ Coral Belt?
The coral belts are also known as the 7th-degree and 8th-degree belts. The 8th-degree coral belt was recently added to the BJJ ranking system in 2013.
After six rigorous black belt degrees, you have to get through the transitional phase (the two coral belts) before getting a red belt.
Being in this stage means you’re one step away from becoming a Grand Master of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Coral belts are named after coral snakes due to their black and red pattern.
The Significance of the Coral Belt in BJJ
Before earning a red belt, practitioners must progress through the seventh-degree and eighth-degree coral belts. These are known as the alternating red-and-black belt (7th-degree) and alternating red-and-white belt (8th-degree).
The coral belt stage serves as a period of mentorship, where practitioners focus on teaching lower-ranked students, preserving Gracie Jiu Jitsu, and refining their techniques before earning the title master or title grandmaster.
BJJ Red Belt vs Black Belt
To different people, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) belt system represents different things. While some practitioners are unconcerned about their belt rank, others place a significant value on it.
The significance of the black belt is something on which most people can agree. As in other martial arts, most jiu-jitsu students seek the prized black belt. Although there is a higher rank in jiu-jitsu, black belts are generally regarded as art instructors and leaders. In fact, most people believe that a black belt is the highest rank in any martial art.
Many consider the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt the ultimate achievement, but the red belt stands above even the highest black belt level. Here’s what differentiates them:
- Black Belt Level – Represents technical knowledge and competition proficiency. Many black belts compete in the degree black divisions.
- Red Belt – Reserved for BJJ legends, requiring dedicated training, hours of teaching, and a lifetime of contributions to the sport.
A black belt may still actively compete, while a red belt is typically an honorary title awarded to those who have dedicated their lives to BJJ.
When a martial artist attains the level of black belt, it usually signifies that they have trained for at least a decade or two to gain that honor. The black belt represents both the end of one’s training and the beginning of another.
And, while a black belt is a rare feat, there are actually higher grades in BJJ that may be attained.
As previously said, the red belt is the absolute pinnacle in BJJ. It is an honor bestowed upon people who have devoted their lives to the practice and spread of this extremely successful combat art.
While no existing BJJ practitioner may go beyond the ninth degree, the 10th degree does exist. It is, however, only for the BJJ pioneers—Carlos, Oswaldo, George, Gaston, and Helio Gracie.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of the Red Belt in BJJ
Earning a red belt in BJJ is not simply about winning matches or accumulating techniques—it’s about becoming a lifelong ambassador of the sport. Whether through Gracie Jiu Jitsu or Non-Gracie lineage, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu red belt holders represent the highest level of dedication, mentorship, and technical mastery.
For most practitioners, reaching the black belt level is a lifetime goal, but for the few who surpass it, the red belt is the ultimate symbol of BJJ mastery.
Zack is an avid jiu jitsu practitioner and martial arts nerd. He currently holds a brown belt in BJJ. When not on the mats or in the gym, he can be found going for walks with his wife, attempting (and often failing) to train his dog, and frequently obsessing over a specific hobby only to forget about it a week later.
