mat talk, mindset, Philosophy

How Long Does It Take to Earn a BJJ Belt? The Truth About Belt Progression

February 28, 2026 | by

Which BJJ Belt Have You Spent the Longest Time On? Reflections on the Journey.

"Which belt have you spent the longest time on?"

As a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor, I can't even count how many times I’ve been asked this question. It usually comes from a newer student, eager to map out their BJJ belt progression and calculate exactly how many months or years stand between them and their next promotion.

It's a natural question, but my answer usually surprises them.

My philosophy is simple: the time you spend wearing each of the coloured belts should be cherished, not constantly counted. BJJ isn't a race. Along the way, you make life-changing memories that build your character, and you bleed and sweat with training partners that ultimately become your lifelong friends.

The Early Days: Sweating it Out at Bondi Beach.

When I think back to my own journey through the ranks, I don't think about timeframes. I think about the environment that shaped me.

The Hakoah Club at Bondi Beach was the gym where I first learned Jiu-Jitsu. Those training sessions were as awesome as they were gruelling. But it was that intense pressure that shaped who I am today, allowing me to develop the skill sets that I am now fortunate enough to possess and pass on to others.

The culture we had extended far beyond the mats. After most of those tough training sessions, the crew would head out for a quick swim in the ocean, grab a light lunch, and just relax and unwind.

I became so deeply comfortable with that place and that community that it bled into my personal life. I even took my wife to Hotel Ravesi's in Bondi on our very first date. Because my friends worked there—Andrew ran the security and Phillipa was the restaurant manager—they gave us the absolute royal treatment.

When I look back at my coloured belts, those are the things I remember. The memories you create and the people you create them with are vastly more important than how long you have been wearing any specific belt colour.

So, Which Belt Have I Spent the Longest Time On?

I always tell my students: if you train properly, show up consistently, and stay committed to the art, you actually have a very limited time on any particular coloured belt. Enjoy the memories and the journey while you are there, because before you know it, you'll be tying a new colour around your waist.

But to answer the question my student asked me last week about which belt I've spent the most time on?

I told him the truth: the black belt. I have been "stuck" on it for 16 years.

Receiving a black belt isn't the end of the journey; it’s just a new beginning. I recently received the fourth degree on my black belt from Jorge, and I want to extend a massive thank you to him.

Jiu Jitsu has done more than just create a training environment for me to learn this awe-inspiring martial art. It has allowed me the immense privilege to recreate that exact same environment, complete with those incredible memories and deep friendships, for my own club and my own students.

Enjoy the rank you are at today. The mats will be here tomorrow.

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