How Many Jiu Jitsu Red Belts Are There?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) It has a unique belt system to show a practitioner’s skill level. The belts start at white and progress through blue, purple, brown, and black. At the very top is the red belt, the highest honor in BJJ. But how many people have reached this elite rank?
This article explores the red belt, its history, notable holders, and estimates of how many exist today.
Table of Contents
- What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)?
- Understanding the BJJ Belt System
- What is a Red Belt in BJJ?
- Who Can Earn a Red Belt?
- The Role of the Gracie Family
- How Many Red Belts Are There?
- Where to Find Lists of Red Belt Holders
- 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 BJJ Red Belts
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)?
BJJ began in Brazil in the early 20th century, developed by the Gracie family. It emphasizes technique over strength, allowing smaller fighters to defeat larger opponents. BJJ is popular worldwide for self-defense, sport, and fitness.
Understanding the BJJ Belt SystemThe BJJ belt system marks a practitioner’s progress. Beginners start with a white belt, then move to blue, purple, brown, and black. Black belts have degrees (1st to 9th), with higher degrees like 7th and 8th marked by a coral belt (red and black or red and white). The 9th and 10th degrees are red belts, the pinnacle of BJJ achievement. |
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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).
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Defining the Red BeltThe 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).
Who Can Earn a Red Belt?
Anyone dedicated to BJJ can theoretically earn a red belt, but it requires a lifetime of commitment. The International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) sets guidelines, requiring at least 48 years as a black belt for the 9th degree (Roger Gracie Bristol).
A Look Back: History of the Red Belt
The red belt has deep roots in BJJ’s history, tied to its founders and their vision for the martial art.
When Did the Red Belt Start in BJJ?
The red belt system began with the Gracie family, who founded BJJ in the 1920s after learning judo from Mitsuyo Maeda. The red belt was introduced to honor those who reached the highest levels of mastery and influence, similar to the dan system in traditional Japanese martial arts (Wikipedia).
Why Was It Created?The red belt was created to recognize exceptional contributions to BJJ. It’s not just about technical skill but also about teaching, promoting, and preserving the art. The Gracie family used it to honor their legacy and those who carried it forward. |
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The Role of the Gracie Family
Carlos Gracie Sr. and Helio Gracie, along with their brothers, developed BJJ and established the red belt as the ultimate rank. They opened the first BJJ academy in 1925, spreading the art across Brazil and beyond (The Arena).
Meet the Masters: Notable Red Belt Holders
Red belt holders are known as grandmasters, revered for their skill and impact on BJJ. Below are some notable figures.
The Gracie Legacy
- Carlos Gracie Sr. (1902–1994): A 10th degree red belt, Carlos learned judo from Mitsuyo Maeda and co-founded BJJ. He opened the first BJJ school in 1925, shaping the art’s early growth.
- Helio Gracie (1913–2009): Also a 10th degree red belt, Helio refined BJJ to focus on leverage, making it accessible to smaller fighters. He was a key figure in BJJ’s global spread (Wikipedia).
- Other Gracies: Oswaldo, Gastão Jr., and George Gracie also received 10th degree red belts for their pioneering work.
Other Red Belt Grandmasters
- Geny Rebelo (born 1927): A 9th degree red belt and student of Helio Gracie, Rebelo founded the Serrana Academy, a major BJJ hub in Brazil (BJJ Heroes).
- Reylson Gracie (born 1943): A 9th degree red belt and son of Carlos Gracie Sr., he helped spread BJJ in the United States.
- Carlos Rosado (born 1949): The youngest 9th degree red belt, awarded by Carlson Gracie, Rosado founded the Rosado Jiu-Jitsu Academy (Elite Sports).
- José Higino (born 1948): A 9th degree red belt under Oswaldo Fadda’s lineage, Higino founded the Associação Higino de Jiu-Jitsu and a BJJ tournament (Elite Sports).
How Many Red Belts Are There?
Determining the exact number of BJJ red belts is challenging due to incomplete records and varying sources.
No single authority tracks all red belt holders. Different organizations and academies maintain their own records, and some red belts are awarded posthumously, complicating counts. Lists from sources like Elite Sports and BJJ Heroes provide the best estimates.
Based on available lists, there are approximately 30-40 living 9th degree red belt holders. For example:
- Elite Sports lists around 38 names, including living and deceased holders.
- BJJ Heroes and BJJ World provide similar counts, suggesting a small but significant number. Only five 10th degree red belts are known, awarded to the Gracie brothers (Carlos, Helio, Oswaldo, Gastão Jr., and George), with most deceased. Luiz França and Oswaldo Fadda also received posthumous red belts (Elite Sports).
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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 BJJ Red Belts
What is a BJJ red belt?
A red belt is the highest rank in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, awarded to 9th and 10th degree black belts. It symbolizes a lifetime of mastery and contribution to the art.
How many BJJ red belts are there?
There are approximately 30-40 living 9th degree red belt holders. Only five 10th degree red belts are known, most of whom are deceased.
Who can earn a red belt in BJJ?
Anyone dedicated to BJJ can earn a red belt, but it requires at least 48 years as a black belt and significant contributions, such as teaching or promoting the art.
How long does it take to get a red belt?
It takes a minimum of 48 years as a black belt to reach the 9th degree red belt, plus about 10-15 years of prior training to become a black belt.
Who are some famous red belt holders?
Notable red belt holders include Carlos Gracie Sr., Helio Gracie (both 10th degree), Geny Rebelo, Reylson Gracie, and Carlos Rosado (9th degree).
Why is the red belt so rare?
The red belt is rare because it demands decades of training, teaching, and impact on BJJ. Only those with extraordinary dedication achieve this rank.
Where can I find a list of red belt holders?
Check reliable sources like Elite Sports and BJJ Heroes for updated lists.
What is the difference between a 9th and 10th degree red belt?
The 9th degree red belt is for living masters who have shaped BJJ. The 10th degree is reserved for BJJ founders, like the Gracie brothers, and is mostly awarded posthumously.
Can women earn a red belt in BJJ?
Yes, women can earn a red belt, but none have reached the 9th degree yet due to the time required. Women like Yvone Duarte, a coral belt, are progressing toward it.
How does someone get promoted to a red belt?
Promotion to a red belt is based on time as a black belt (at least 48 years for 9th degree) and contributions like teaching or growing BJJ, decided by senior masters or the IBJJF.
Are there red belts outside the Gracie family?
Yes, non-Gracie practitioners like Geny Rebelo, José Higino, and Oswaldo Fadda have earned 9th degree red belts for their contributions to BJJ.
Do red belt holders still train or compete?
Many red belt holders, like Geny Rebelo, continue to train or teach despite their age. However, they rarely compete due to the physical demands and their focus on mentoring.
How is the red belt different from a coral belt?
A coral belt is awarded at the 7th (red and black) and 8th (red and white) degrees of black belt, while the red belt is for the 9th and 10th degrees, marking higher mastery.
