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White Belt Guide

12-24 months

The beginning of your jiu-jitsu journey. Focus on survival, learning basic positions, and developing a love for the art.

White Belt Mindset

Stay curious, embrace being bad at something new, and focus on showing up consistently. Ego is your enemy.

What to Focus On

1
Survival and defense
2
Basic positions (mount, guard, side control, back)
3
Fundamental escapes
4
Hip movement and shrimping
5
Basic submissions (armbar, triangle, RNC)
6
Closed guard fundamentals

Essential Techniques

Closed Guard

guard

The fundamental guard position

Mount Control

position

Controlling from the mount position

Side Control

position

Pinning from side control

Back Control

position

Controlling the back with hooks

Armbar from Mount

submission

Classic armbar from mount

Triangle from Guard

submission

Triangle choke from closed guard

Rear Naked Choke

submission

The king of submissions

Hip Escape

escape

Fundamental escape movement

Bridge and Roll

escape

Escape from mount using the bridge

Scissor Sweep

sweep

Basic sweep from closed guard

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✕
Using too much strength
✕
Holding breath during rolls
✕
Not tapping early enough
✕
Skipping fundamentals for flashy moves
✕
Comparing progress to others

Tips for Success

✓
Tap early, tap often - it's how you learn
✓
Focus on defense first
✓
Ask upper belts questions after class
✓
Keep a training journal
✓
Train at least 2-3x per week for progress

Promotion Requirements

OrganizationMinimum TimeRequirementsNotes
IBJJF2 years at white
Age: 16 years
Must have valid IBJJF membership
Gracie Academy6-18 months
Techniques: 36
Combatives curriculum completion
Alliance1-2 years
Classes: 200+ classes
Instructor discretion
10th Planet1-2 years
No-gi focused curriculum
Typical Academy1-2 years
Classes: 150-300 classes
Varies by academy and individual

Note: Requirements to be promoted TO blue belt vary by organization. Always check with your instructor.

Next Level

blue Belt Guide

Track Your White Belt Journey

Log every class, track techniques learned, and see your progress toward blue belt.

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