How Dangerous Is a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

How Dangerous Is a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu JItsu

Here is a pic of a BJJ blue belt performing an anaconda choke submission on me

How dangerous is a blue belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu?
A bjj blue belt is someone who certainly knows the basics of Brazillian Jiu Jitsu.

They will definitely have more grappling knowledge than the average untrained individual and will have an edge over anyone untrained in a physical altercation.

However, with an average training time of 1.5 – 3 years, a blue belt is still considered a beginner in the sport of bjj. While they may have a good amount of knowledge of jiu jitsu techniques, positions, and submissions they likely need more time studying these techniques and performing them in live sparring scenarios against fully resisting opponents.

Although, a bjj blue belt may not have enough experience using these techniques on fully resisting partners to be considered dangerous to all untrained individuals there is still a high possibility that they can still control and subdue most untrained opponents.

Aside from that, on the mats, these blue belts are considered skilled and dangerous already especially compared to of lesser experience or lower rank.

Table of Contents

What Is a BJJ Blue Belt?

A BJJ blue belt is the 2nd rank out to achieve of the 5 in the jiu jitsu rank system. This means, they overcame being a white belt and are now currently knowledgeable in fundamentals and basics in BJJ.

In this rank, they are working on improving their attacks, variations and other BJJ skills to subdue their opponent.

However, while a blue belt should know the basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu they may not have enough experience using these techniques on fully resisting partners to be considered dangerous to all untrained individuals.

What Makes Blue Belts Dangerous?

A blue belt on the mats is dangerous because they have much more knowledge and grappling skills compared to the lower ranks. This just means, they spent over a hundred hours training consistently. Therefore, they are considered experienced already.

Moreover, they are much more confident in difficult positions and are able to work on their breathing and cardio.

Know that these blue belts have strong knowledge of the most common:

Submissions

Therefore, they are highly capable of grappling and defending themselves.

BJJ Blue Belt vs Untrained

If a blue belt BJJ finds themselves in a difficult situation with someone without any weapons, BJJ background or any other martial arts training then there is a high chance of success for the blue belt.

To add to that, blue belts are highly capable of executing common takedowns, submissions and defenses. They can most definitely control their opponent until help arrives or until they calm down.

Now, although a blue belt should know the basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu they may not have enough experience using these techniques on fully resisting partners to be considered dangerous to all untrained individuals.

Here is a video of a BJJ blue belt against a thief.

BJJ Blue Belt vs a Bigger Attacker

While a bjj blue belt should still do well against any untrained attacker no matter the size difference, it’s important to realize that there are weight classes for a reason. These weight classes are applied in competitions to exercise fairness amongst its competitors.

Size and strength will always play a factor in any martial art or combat scenario.

Now, since a blue belt is still considered a beginner in bjj if they were to vs a bigger attacker they may not always fare well.

This is likely due to a limited amount of experience performing jiu jitsu techniques on fully restisting opponents – especially larger opponents.

While the bjj blue belt should still have the upper hand when versing a large opponent, size and strength will always play a part in jiu jitsu as well as any other martial art.

BJJ Blue Belt vs Other Belts in the Gym

Have you heard about open mat sessions in BJJ? This is the time where anyone in the gym regardless of skill level, belt rank or even affiliation can spar against each other. There is no structure during this time and one can arrive or leave anytime they want.

This is also the best opportunity to test current skills and knowledge. Now, for a blue belt, they are most likely going to roll with a white belt who are beginners and of course, higher ranking belts like purple and brown to help test their grappling abilities.

Read on as we go over what will happen against a blue belt vs other belts in the gym.

Blue Belt vs White Belt

As you know, a blue belt was once a white belt and in order to be promoted to the next rank, they must be able to meet their school’s expectations.

This means, they are now highly knowledgeable with the fundamentals and basic knowledge of the sport unlike white belts.

Therefore, if they spar with a white belt, you can see that they are able to play with different positions making it difficult for white belts to escape.

Aside from that, you can also note that there are movements where they are more technical in doing. Thus, allowing them to gain more advantage.

Here is a video of a white belt rolling with a Brazillian Jiu Jitsu blue belt.

Blue Belt vs Purple Belt

Purple belts are the middle men of the BJJ rank system. Some may even say that you can’t consider them beginners or advanced level in the sport.

Now, ofcourse, there will always be an opportunity for blue belts to go up against a purple belt. But what can we expect during this match?

Well, know that there will be difficulty for the blue belt. These purple belts are very comfortable on the mats already with their hundreds of hours of training.

Moreover, they are capable of finding different ways to apply their attacks against their opponent. Therefore, making it highly difficult for the blue belt.

Check out this video talking about the gap between blue belts and purple belts in BJJ.

Blue Belt vs Brown Belt

Blue belt vs the 1st advanced belt in the rank system which is brown is something interesting to watch.

These brown belts are highly skilled already and they can train lower ranks to improve their game. Now, note that these advanced BJJ practitioners can be highly difficult to roll with.

They are those who are actually capable of thinking 2-3 moves ahead against their opponent. Therefore, it can be extremely difficult for blue belts.

Although, there will always be a chance to submit these brown belts. These blue belts can sometimes create unexpected openings, catching these brown belts off guard.

Blue Belt vs Black Belt

Blue belt vs Black belt. This is an opportunity not to be missed out. The most difficult rank to achieve in the BJJ ranking system is the black belt. Now, do know that if a blue belt goes against a black belt, there is a high chance of defeat or submission.

This is because of the experience and knowledge that a black belt holds. These people have been consistent in training the martial art and have seen numerous scenarios where they can subdue their opponent.

Check out this interesting video of a Navy Seal blue belt vs a BJJ Black belt.

Is a BJJ Blue Belt Tough?

Definitely! A blue belt is tough because they were able to overcome white belt and level up to blue.

This means, they were able to meet their gym’s expectations and are gradually levelling up their skills.

To add to that, these blue belts have knowledge on the common positions and skills in BJJ. Which is something they are slowly becoming comfortable with in applying in different scenarios making things difficult for their opponent.

Does Competing Help Make Blue Belts More Dangerous?

Definitely a yes! By joining competitions or tournaments in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu it will give competitors the experience of using their bjj techniques on fully resisting opponents. To add to that, they will also be dealing with all the mental aspects of competition such as anxiety, nervousness, and adrenaline.

Hence, getting exposure to these mental aspects and being able to still perform these techniques will surely make a bjj blue belt better and able to deal with an attacker in a self defense scenario.

Here is a video of Zack, Heavy BJJ’s founder and creator nearing his end as a blue belt jiu jitsu practitioner.

How to Get a Blue Belt in BJJ

In order to get a blue belt, one must be able to complete the first rank which is the white belt. Now, do know that each BJJ school or gym has their own set expectations and check list that needs to be completed by their students.

However, everyone is expected to know the fundamentals and basics of BJJ in order to get their blue belt. This means, being able to perform different takedowns, submissions, defense and attacks.

Here are top 5 things we wish we knew as a a white belt to get better at rolling faster. Hope this full article can help you get a blue belt faster.

Do All Blue Belts Make It to Black Belt?

Not all blue belts make it to black belt. Blue belt is the most common rank where one stays the longest.

This is actually a very challenging rank that will test your dedication and love from the sport. Now there are many different factors why blue belts decide not to pursue their journey as BJJ martial artists.

Some of the reason can be related to:

Change in preference of sport
Injury
Expense

Life changes and transitions
No longer interested

Here is a full article we wrote on how many BJJ black belts are they are

How Long to Get Blue Belt in BJJ?

Each and everyone has their own journey in BJJ. Some may get their blue belt faster than others, but this will not define you as an athlete.

However, the average years in training to attain a blue belt is about 6 months to 2 years. This though will depend on many factors like:

Training consistency – How frequent you train means, you get to learn new things everytime.

Previous martial art experience – Some have previous grappling experience. Therefore, some of the movements and techniques can be similar.
Knowledge and skill development – Everytime you train, your coaches, professors and teammates will notice how much you improve. You may not notice it, but others do.
Competition participation– Win or lose your coach and professors will acknowledge your bravery for joining a competition. This will gauge your skills and techniques as a practitioner of the sport.

Can You Get a Blue Belt in 6 Months?

Definitely! Some people can get their blue belt in 6 months. Most of these people who actually get their BJJ blue belt fast, often have background in other grappling sports like:

Wrestling
Judo

Aside from that, people who train consistently and show vast improvement and dedication can earn their belt faster.

However, do know that while a blue belt should know the basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu they may not have enough experience using these techniques on fully resisting partners to be considered dangerous to all untrained individuals.

Why Do People Quit BJJ at Blue Belt?

People quitting BJJ is something not uncommon. But for blue belts, those who quit are often those who experience blue belt blues.

Here are the most common reasons why BJJ blue belt quits:

Training is becoming boring – Some people get tired and bored of the things being done during training and are opting to do something else.
White belts/less experienced individuals occasionally beat them – Ego will be crushed in BJJ. However, not all people can take defeat positively or as a learning experience. Some people prefer to protect their self and mental health and rather not continue because they do not like the feeling of being beaten from time to time.

They feel like they are not getting better – In BJJ, know that sometimes one can not notice that they are progressing. But the others will. You may not notice that your stamina is improving, your demonstration and application of attacks. Now, sometimes, some people prefer to see their progress before their own eyes. Therefore, some quit because they often feel like despite the time and effort, they are not improving.
They do not know what to learn next – People get stuck, and this is not something uncommon. Feeling lost and stuck is normal and can be felt as a BJJ practitioners. Although for some, this can be a reason to stop training.
Goals are different now – Everyone started BJJ with a different goal in mind. However, as time passes, goals can change and this can be inevitable. Sometimes, your vision and goals change because of all the experiences you have in the journey.

We actually have a full article written about why people leave BJJ at blue belt and how to avoid being one of them. Just click here to be redirected.

How Long Do You Stay at Blue Belt BJJ?

Staying at a blue belt depends on many different factors. Some people can stay at this rank for 6 months up to 3 years, or even longer.

Always remember that your training consistency is important. Each and every time you train, you gain knowledge and experience. From there, you totally become immersed in the sport and learn more about it. Therefore, there is a higher chance of faster progression in ranks.

But hey, never pressure yourself. You have your own journey. Do not or avoid comparing yourself to others. The more you train and learn, the shorter time you will stay at blue belt.

What Is a BJJ Blue Belt Equivalent to?

Due to the high frequency of live sparring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, it’s not rare for a blue belt in bjj to be considered a black belt when compared to more traditional martial arts that do not emphasize live sparring on fully resisting opponents.

More traditional martial arts such as kung fu, karate, aikido may not emphasize live sparring in their martial art so it brings to question how effective these martial arts are in a real live self defense scenario.

The reason why Brazilian jiu jitsu is so effective is because it has frequent live sparring – in almost every class. So you are constantly testing out these techniques on fully resisting opponents.

With this constant testing, a bjj blue belt should certainly fair well against any other martial art that doesn’t include as frequent live sparring.

Hope this has been a good read!

Catch you next time!