Brazilian jiu-jitsu is today’s most popular martial art, with a highly codified hierarchy of jjb belts . Among all the belts is the bjj coral belt, much less well known than the traditional belts, but just as important. In this article, we’ll explore in detail what it means to earn a BJJ Coral Belt, the criteria needed to achieve it and why it’s so respected in the BJJ community.
What is the bjj coral belt?
The coral belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is awarded to practitioners who have reached a high level of skill and experience. This is another name given to the white and red belts and the red and black belts. The name refers to the coral snake, which is black and red in color.
It lies between the black belt and the red belt and is generally divided into two categories:
- Black and Red Coral Belt (7th degree black belt)
- White and Red Coral Belt (8th degree of black belt)
These belts indicate not only exceptional technical mastery, but also a significant contribution to the dissemination and teaching of BJJ. The few jiu jitsukas who wear the bjj coral belt are often referred to as “masters”. When you are a black and red belt, you need 7 years with this belt to move up to the next red and white rank. This white and red belt is similar to that worn by judoka masters between 6th and 8th dan.
Before reaching the ultimate rank of bjj red belt, you must spend 10 years as a red and white belt. As a result, the number of practitioners with this belt is very low. If you get your bjj black belt at 19, which is already very rare, you won’t get that red belt until you’re 67. This belt earns you the title of Grand Master.
The only people to have obtained a 10th dan red belt are the pioneers of the sport and the Gracie brothers.
How do I get a bjj coral belt?
Getting a coral belt is no easy task. The criteria are strict and include
- Time and dedication: It usually takes decades of practice to reach this level. A minimum of seven years as a black belt is required before promotion to the rank of bjj coral belt.
- Technical Skills: Complete mastery of BJJ techniques, including submissions, guard passes and fighting strategies.
- Contributions to the Community: Teaching, organizing seminars, and helping to spread BJJ around the world.
- Respect and Ethics: Demonstrate exemplary behavior on and off the mats.
To go from basic black belt to 7th dan or red and black coral belt, you need to be 24 years old. 3 years of practice between each rank from 1st to 3rd and 5 years for the 4th, 5th and 6th ranks.
The importance of bjj coral belts
The coral belt is respected for several reasons:
- Recognition of Expertise: Reaching this level means that the practitioner has devoted a large part of his or her life to BJJ and has reached a level of competence that few can claim.
- Mentor role: Coral belts are often teachers and mentors, playing a crucial role in training new generations of practitioners.
- Lasting contributions: They have often contributed to the evolution of the martial art, whether through technical innovation, teaching or the creation of renowned academies.
The presence of coral belts in the BJJ community is essential for several reasons.
Maintaining tradition: They help preserve the traditions and values of BJJ.
The evolution of the sport: Thanks to their experience, they are able to innovate and adapt techniques to improve the effectiveness of BJJ.
Training leaders: As mentors, they train the future leaders of BJJ, ensuring the continuity of the art.
