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Is competition necessary for BJJ?

Author

James Craig

Published Jan 22, 2026

The quick answers are: no, you don't necessarily need to compete. And no, you don't need to compete to get your black belt. You can definitely learn a lot and continue to get better just with concerted drilling and focused sparring in class.

Is it necessary to compete in BJJ?

Do you need to compete, no you don't have to compete. We'll explain what the benefits are and why your coach would recommend that you take a dip in BJJ tournaments. You don't need to compete to get your black belt. But be aware it will take longer.

How soon should I compete in BJJ?

However, assuming you are a white belt and are training 3 to 4 days per week, you should be more than ready for your first competition within 9 to 12 months. You can always compete sooner than that, or wait a bit longer, however, the average individual will be prepared for a tournament within that rough timeframe.

Do you have to compete to get a purple belt in BJJ?

The International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) requires that students be at least 16 years old when they become a purple belt. The IBJJF also recommends that students have at least two years of training as a blue belt, the rank prior to the purple belt, in order to be considered eligible for a purple belt.

Is 3 days a week enough for BJJ?

Training three times a week seems to be the sweet spot for a lot of people between avoiding burnout and making rapid progress. You'll be able to spar hard every session. You'll be able to remember what you learned last class, and you'll develop good timing and reflexes.

30 related questions found

Should I lift weights for BJJ?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) fighters lift weights in order to improve their power-to-weight ratio (PWR), performance, and health. BJJ fighters who lift will typically focus on compound exercises (squats, bench, etc.) as these are the best moves to improve PWR. Power-to-weight ratio is so crucial in martial arts.

Does BJJ build muscle?

One of the major focuses of BJJ training as far as strength and conditioning goes, is its direct stimulation of the core muscles and hips. BJJ training develops your core muscles unlike any other martial art. In fact, your core is where the majority of your strength comes from in BJJ.

What is the hardest belt to get in BJJ?

Simple answer: black belt. Because you need to get all the other belts before this, the black belt is logically the hardest belt to get in BJJ.

What is the highest BJJ belt?

Red Belt. The 9th degree red belt is the highest rank awarded to any currently living practitioner of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. According to Renzo & Royler Gracie, in Brazilian jiu-jitsu the red belt is reserved "for those whose influence and fame takes them to the pinnacle of the art".

How long does it take to get a black belt in BJJ?

For most of us, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is all about hard work over a long period of time. For the average practitioner, as in over 90% of us, expect a black belt to come after 10 to 15 years of dedicated training. It'll take a long time to earn your black belt.

Can white belts compete in BJJ?

The International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) runs many competitions around the world each year. Because of how common these competitions are, they can be a good first option for a white belt to enter.

How long are Jiu Jitsu matches?

BJJ matches are typically 5 minutes long for white belt adults, 6 – 8 minutes long for more experienced belts and 10 minutes long for black belts. Kids' BJJ matches are generally 2 – 4 minutes long depending on age.

How long should I do BJJ?

If you are a beginner or a “casual” Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, aim for two to three days a week. Training around two days a week is a good starting point when you're just starting Jiu-Jitsu. You get enough time on the mats to learn and work on your technique while not getting burned out or overtrained.

Can you compete in BJJ without a coach?

Competing without a coach or team present is an important step in the evolution of any competitor. Most people who do BJJ do not actively compete, and even the most dedicated coaches very often have day jobs and families so they can't always be there for their students/athletes.

How often should I compete in BJJ?

4 Days Per Week. If you want to compete in BJJ you have to train at least four days a week, and plan to increase this as time goes on. 4 days a week allows you to build excellent technique and drill so often that your moves become instinctual.

What is a Jiu Jitsu competition?

Pan Jiu Jitsu Championship (commonly called “Pans”) The Pan Jiu Jitsu Championship is the national US tournament held annually in Irvine, California. Right under Worlds it is the biggest tournament in the US. European Championship: Every year in Lisbon, Portugal, the IBJJF holds the European Championship.

What belt is Joe Rogan?

Yes, he could literally kick your lights out. An incredibly dedicated practitioner of martial arts, Joe holds black belts in both Taekwondo and Jiu-Jitsu. The former Fear Factor host is also trained in karate, wrestling, Muay Thai, and boxing.

What belt is Connor in BJJ?

Conor McGregor is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in MMA. However, one aspect of his game is highly underestimated - his Brazilian jiu-jitsu. 'The Notorious' is currently a proud holder of a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. McGregor has even competed in grappling tournaments in the past.

What percentage of people get a purple belt in BJJ?

As a result it has a very high attrition rate. A small percentage - probably less than 25% - make it to blue belt. Of those, less than 10% make it to purple, and on, and on. It's a tough art and most people don't stick around.

What does purple belt mean BJJ?

Purple belt is the intermediate adult ranking in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The purple belt level practitioner has gained a large amount of knowledge and purple belts are generally considered qualified to help instruct lower-ranked students.

Is a blue belt in BJJ good?

Students at the blue belt level will have a strong idea as to how to attack and have one “go to” attack in every position. Students awarded a blue belt will have a decent defense and are able to escape from every major position. As a blue belt, you'll become consciously incompetent.

Does Jiu-Jitsu cause cauliflower ear?

Cauliflower ear is a condition commonly found in wrestlers. Since there are many parallels between wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu, cauliflower ears can often be found in Jiu-Jitsu athletes. Some find the condition repulsive. Some accept it as a harsh reality of the sport.

Can I do BJJ and bodybuilding?

Can You Combine BJJ And Bodybuilding? You can combine both BJJ and bodybuilding as your forms of physical training. However, you are serving two masters so both activities will suffer. Doing both at a competitive level means' you won't be very good at either BJJ or bodybuilding.

How hard is BJJ to learn?

Earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an extremely difficult task, which requires years of hard work, discipline, and dedication. On average it takes someone anywhere from 10 to 15 years to earn a black belt in BJJ. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule.