How Many Jiu Jitsu Red Belts Are There?
Without question, the red belt is the rarest belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While millions of people around the world train BJJ, only a handful will ever even meet a red belt, let alone become one.
Even among black belts—a rank already seen as elite—progression through the degrees takes decades. The final stages, leading to red belt status, are almost unreachable for most practitioners.
The red belt is not just a symbol of skill; it represents a lifetime of leadership, teaching, innovation, and stewardship of the martial art. That is why it is universally regarded as the most exclusive and prestigious rank in BJJ.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- What is a Red Belt in BJJ?
- Are There Any Red Belts in Jiu-Jitsu?
- How Many Jiu-Jitsu Red Belts Are There?
- Who Has a 10th Degree Red Belt?
- Who Is the Youngest Red Belt?
- The Journey to Red: What It Takes
- The Path of a Black Belt
- Final Words: How Many Jiu Jitsu Red Belts Are There
- FAQs About Jiu-Jitsu Red Belts
What is a Red Belt in BJJ?
The red belt represents the 9th or 10th degree black belt in BJJ. It’s a rare honor, awarded to those who have spent decades mastering and spreading the art.
The red belt is the ultimate rank in BJJ, reserved for those who have dedicated their lives to the art. It’s not just about skill but also about influence and contribution to BJJ. According to Renzo and Royler Gracie, the red belt is for those “whose influence and fame takes them to the pinnacle of the art” (BJJ Eastern Europe).
 |
The 9th degree red belt is the highest rank a living practitioner can achieve. It’s given to those who have been black belts for at least 48 years and have made significant contributions to BJJ. The 10th degree red belt is reserved for the founders of BJJ, such as the Gracie brothers. |
9th Degree vs. 10th Degree Red Belts
- 9th Degree: Awarded to living masters who have shaped BJJ through teaching and innovation. Examples include Geny Rebelo and Reylson Gracie.
- 10th Degree: Given only to BJJ pioneers like Carlos Gracie Sr., Helio Gracie, and their brothers. Most 10th degree holders are deceased, with Helio Gracie being the last living recipient until his death in 2009 (Wikipedia).
Are There Any Red Belts in Jiu-Jitsu?
Yes—but they are incredibly rare. Only a very small number of practitioners have ever reached the red belt level. The red belt is not simply given for skill but for decades of teaching, preserving traditions, and growing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu worldwide.
Currently, just a few living red belts exist, most of them older masters who have been training for over half a century. For the average practitioner, the red belt is a rank they will never see in their lifetime except on the waist of a historic figure in the sport.
How Many Jiu-Jitsu Red Belts Are There?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the most respected martial arts in the world, known for its highly detailed ranking system. Unlike other martial arts where practitioners may reach black belt status within a few years, BJJ is notorious for its long, demanding journey. Among all ranks, the red belt stands at the very top—it is the rarest, most prestigious belt in Jiu-Jitsu.
As of today, there are only a handful of red belts alive, and historically fewer than 50 people have ever been awarded a red belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The majority of them are members of the Gracie family, who helped develop and spread the art worldwide.
Red belts are awarded to practitioners who reach the 9th or 10th degree black belt level, requiring not just decades of training but also major contributions to the art. Typically, it takes 50 to 60 years of dedication before someone is considered for a red belt promotion.
This scarcity makes the red belt a symbol of both technical mastery and lifelong dedication to preserving and evolving the sport.
Who Has a 10th Degree Red Belt?
The 10th degree red belt is the absolute peak of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s ranking system. This rank has been reserved exclusively for the original pioneers of the art—the Gracie brothers who first developed and spread BJJ.
The 10th degree red belts were awarded to:
-
Carlos Gracie
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Helio Gracie
-
Oswaldo Gracie
-
Gastão Gracie
-
George Gracie
No modern practitioner can achieve the 10th degree. Today, it is considered a founder’s rank, an honorary recognition that will never be awarded again.
Who Is the Youngest Red Belt?
Most red belts are awarded to practitioners who are in their 60s, 70s, or even older. This is because the time requirement to reach the red belt is over 50 years of dedication.
The youngest-ever red belt is often cited as Carlos Rosado, a direct student of the Gracie family, who received his red belt earlier than most due to his decades of contribution and recognition by his peers. However, even in his case, he had already spent more than a lifetime in BJJ by the time he earned it.
In general, the red belt is considered a rank that can only be achieved at a very advanced age, after both technical mastery and long-term service to the art.
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Where to Find Lists of Red Belt Holders
For the most up-to-date information, check:
- BJJ Heroes for detailed biographies.
- Elite Sports for a comprehensive list.
- BJJ World for non-Gracie red belt holders.
|
Degree |
Estimated Number |
Notable Holders |
|
9th Degree |
~30-40 (living) |
Geny Rebelo, Reylson Gracie, Carlos Rosado, José Higino |
|
10th Degree |
5 (mostly deceased) |
Carlos Gracie Sr., Helio Gracie, Oswaldo Gracie, Gastão Jr., George Gracie |
The Journey to Red: What It Takes
Earning a red belt requires an extraordinary commitment to BJJ, spanning decades of training and teaching.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Red Belt?
The IBJJF requires a minimum of 48 years as a black belt to reach the 9th degree red belt. For example:
- A practitioner who earns a black belt at age 19 could become a 9th degree red belt at age 67 (BJJ Eastern Europe).
- The journey includes 1 year as a brown belt, 3 years per degree for the first three black belt degrees, and 5 years per degree for degrees 4-6, plus 7 years for the 7th degree and 10 years for the 8th degree (Wikipedia).
The Path of a Black Belt
- White to Black Belt: Beginners start at white belt, learning basic moves. It takes about 10-15 years to reach black belt, depending on training frequency.
- Black Belt Degrees: After earning a black belt, practitioners receive degrees (stripes) based on time and contributions. The 7th and 8th degrees use coral belts, leading to the 9th degree red belt.
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Final Words: How Many Jiu Jitsu Red Belts Are There
The red belt is more than a rank; it’s a symbol of a lifetime dedicated to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. With only about 30-40 living 9th degree red belts and five historical 10th degree holders, these grandmasters represent the elite of the elite. Their stories inspire practitioners to pursue excellence and honor BJJ’s legacy. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fighter, the red belt reminds us that dedication and passion can lead to greatness.
FAQs About Jiu-Jitsu Red Belts
Q1: How many red belts currently exist in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Fewer than 50 people in the world have ever been awarded a red belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, making it one of the rarest martial arts ranks. The exact number can vary slightly depending on new promotions, but the total remains extremely small compared to other belt levels.
Q2: What is the difference between a red belt and a coral belt?
A: The coral belt (red and black or red and white) is an honorary belt given to practitioners at the 7th and 8th degree of black belt. The full red belt is reserved for the 9th and 10th degrees, representing the absolute pinnacle of mastery and contribution to the art.
Q3: How long does it take to earn a red belt in BJJ?
A: Achieving a red belt usually takes 50–60+ years of dedication, including decades of teaching, training, and contributing to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s growth worldwide. It is not awarded based solely on skill but on lifelong influence and legacy.
Q4: Who are some famous BJJ red belts?
A: Legendary figures such as Helio Gracie, Carlos Gracie Sr., Oswaldo Fadda, and a select few others have been honored with the red belt. Most of them are pioneers who shaped the art’s foundations.
Q5: Can a regular student ever achieve a red belt?
A: Realistically, no. A red belt is not something a typical practitioner can expect to achieve. It is an honorary recognition given to pioneers and lifelong masters of BJJ, not a rank pursued through normal progression.
Q6: Is the red belt recognized the same way worldwide?
A: Yes. The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and most major BJJ organizations recognize the red belt as the highest possible rank in the sport.
