Juan Zuniga, a purple belt from Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers in Pleasanton, wrote this really great blog back in 2007 and once we read it, we wanted to share it with the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community and the Crispim BJJ Barra Brothers Team.  Before we present the article to you, we would like to tell you a little about Juan (for those of you who don’t already know him).

Juan started training  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Sep 2004, which was about six months after his daughter Isabella was born.   He was training at Ralph Gracie in Dublin under the instruction of Alexander Crispim.  He received his  blue belt  in Dec 2005.   Juan temporarily stopped training from Nov 2007 and started up again in Nov 2008, when he found out that Crispim was teaching again.  In Oct 2009, Alexander Crispim awarded Juan his much deserved purple belt.

Jiu Jitsu Belts & The College Degree

I can’t begin to describe the excitement that comes from being rewarded for a job well done. These moments are few and far between. When I received my bachelors degree nine years ago, I remember the excitement and pride I felt. Graduation symbolized four years of studies, 3 years of summer classes & 4 years of unloading and sorting packages UPS.

My promotion to blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu nearly two years ago left me feeling very similar. The promotion symbolized a reward for the hard trainings, long hours on the mat & overcoming the occasional feeling that I was simply not physically cut out for hard training. Receiving my blue belt symbolized that I was progressing, it made me feel accomplished, excited and joyful. With belt promotions coming up tomorrow, I couldn’t help to put some thought into what these belt promotions mean to me, and how they compare to promotions in collegiate studies.

Blue Belt & Associated Arts Degree
Both the Blue Belt and the Associates Degree seem to typically take 1-3 years accomplish. They both represent a basic fundamental knowledge in their respective subject. I’ve met students who earned their AA degree in one year while others took a number of years (some for valid reasons). As for the Jiu Jitsu, some students earn their blue belt very quickly…I’ve heard stories of someone attaining their blue belt in a matter of days (although he was a Judo Black belt, which I’m sure helped!) To me, the Blue Belt, like the AA degree is a stepping stone to bigger and better things to come.

Purple Belt & Bachelors Degree
To me, earning a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu is the equivalent of earning a Bachelors degree in a University. Both take approx 3-5 years to achieve. Both symbolize a deep understanding in their respective subject. Although at this stage you are far from being an expert, you have achieved something that not many have. A promotion to this level represents a series of years of sacrifice, long hours & fighting through adversity. Having a bachelors degree doesn’t mean that you are any smarter than the guy/gal standing next to you, just as having a purple belt doesn’t mean you are a better fighter than the guy/gal standing next to you. However, it does mean that you can set goals and achieve them. A promotion to this level is definitely something to be celebrated.

Brown Belt & Masters Degree
You probably won’t meet too many people who have earned a brown belt in BJJ or a Masters Degree from an accredited University. These people have proven that they are dedicated individuals. Earning a brown belt, like a Masters degree typically requires 6-8 years of study. Individuals who have reached this level deserve much respect. They (and their family & friends) have sacrificed and are well on their way to becoming an authority in their trade. They have acquired a large knowledge base, which makes them very capable of teaching.

Black Belt & Ph.D.
Neither Black Belts nor Ph.D.’s are simply handed out to just anyone. Individuals who have achieved this will forever represent the academy/school who granted them this promotion. These individuals likely diligently worked for 8-10+ years to achieve this. They have been put through the fire. They have learned their trade at the highest level. When you seek to learn, these are the people you want to teach you. Although this seems like the end of a journey, to many this is just the beginning of their new journey.