Kids jiu-jitsu: age to start and belt order
The IBJJF's 13 kids belts, the minimum age for each color and what happens to the rank when a child turns 16.
Kids jiu-jitsu is one of the most common entry points into the sport. Children learn to fall, move on the ground and control a partner without strikes, in classes adapted to each age. In this guide you will see when a child can start and how the kids belts work.
At what age can a child start
The IBJJF graduation system starts with the 4-year-old categories, called Pre-Mighty Mite. Kids belts apply from ages 4 to 15. Many academies also open classes for younger children, with more playful lessons, so it is worth talking to the instructor about the minimum age for each class.
The World Health Organization recommends that children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 do, on average, at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day. Jiu-jitsu can be part of that routine.
Kids belt order
The IBJJF sets 13 belts for children aged 4 to 15, in this order:
- White
- Grey and white
- Grey
- Grey and black
- Yellow and white
- Yellow
- Yellow and black
- Orange and white
- Orange
- Orange and black
- Green and white
- Green
- Green and black
Minimum age for each color
- White: no minimum age
- Grey (all three shades): from age 4
- Yellow (all three shades): from age 7
- Orange (all three shades): from age 10
- Green (all three shades): from age 13
All kids belts can be worn until age 15. The IBJJF also suggests degree and stripe systems for children, to mark progress between one belt and the next.
What happens at 16
At 16, the athlete moves into the juvenile and adult system. A white belt stays white. Those with a grey, yellow or orange belt move to blue. Those with a green belt move to blue or purple, at the instructor's discretion. From then on, the adult belts apply: blue, purple, brown and black. The From white to black guide shows the minimum times.
How to choose a good class for your child
- Look for classes separated by age and size.
- Check that the instructor is ranked and supervises the class closely.
- Watch a class before enrolling and see whether the children are having fun.
- Prefer academies that treat respect for training partners as a rule of the mat.
Frequently asked questions
What is the kids jiu-jitsu belt order?
White, grey and white, grey, grey and black, yellow and white, yellow, yellow and black, orange and white, orange, orange and black, green and white, green, and green and black.
At what age can a child start jiu-jitsu?
IBJJF kids belts start at age 4. Many academies have classes for younger children, with adapted lessons. The minimum age for each class depends on the academy.
Can a child get a black belt?
No. The black belt requires a minimum age of 19. Before 16, children wear the kids belts.
