How to Get Promoted in BJJ: Adult Belt Promotions at Our Hayward Academy

How do you get promoted in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as an adult? Every academy does it a little differently. In this video we explain exactly how stripes and belt promotions work in the adult BJJ program at Mindset Martial Arts & Fitness in Hayward, CA, so you always know what to expect.

How Often Do Adults Get Stripes?

In our adult program we hold promotions about every four months, so three times a year. If you're training consistently, you can generally expect a stripe at each promotion.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Blue Belt?

Getting promoted is a spectrum. For most adults, going from white belt to blue belt takes about a year and a half. Someone who competes at every tournament and clearly outperforms their belt level, like a strong wrestler, might get there in about a year. Most adults with jobs and families won't be on that fast track, and that's completely fine.

What We Look For

• Train about twice a week. If you get in 25 to 30 classes over about four months, you're on track.
• Check in every class. Use the Zen Planner app or the kiosk at the front so your attendance is tracked. When you're ready, you'll get an invitation to the next belt promotion.
• Don't ask for stripes. That's frowned on at any academy. We've laid out exactly what it takes, so just follow the plan.
• Be part of the team. Helping with kids classes, events, cleaning days, or coaching at tournaments all counts, and being around jiu-jitsu makes you better at jiu-jitsu.

If you miss a promotion because of vacation or work, we'll find a way to make sure you get your recognition. And to keep it real: if you've only trained twice in four months, you probably won't get a stripe.

The Belt Isn't the Goal

The real goal is to get better at jiu-jitsu. A new belt is a great thing to work toward, but showing up, training, competing and helping your teammates is the path that gets you there.

Train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Hayward

Mindset Martial Arts & Fitness is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kids martial arts and kickboxing academy at 24249 Hesperian Blvd in Hayward, CA, a short drive from San Leandro, San Lorenzo and Castro Valley. Have a question about promotions? Ask any of our coaches. Our adult BJJ classes are beginner-friendly, and we also offer kids BJJ and fitness kickboxing.

See the class schedule or reserve your first class.