In an effort to bring more people into the jiu-jitsu community, the IBJJFU is officially changing the jiu-jitsu belt ranking system to that of rainbow colors.
In the traditional ranking system there were five adult belt ranks in jiu-jitsu: white, blue, purple, brown and black. The old system was obviously outdated with the color choices specifically bringing out the worst in American history. “This update is long overdue,” says long time jiu-jitsu practitioner and IBFFFU official Randall Riley (pronounced Handall Hiley). “By having belt colors the same as skin colors, we are constantly reminded of our differences,” Randall stated. This is true with the exception of blue belt, corral belt, all the kids belts and the green belt that some schools did that was really weird.
Each new rainbow color will represent a different rank level and have an official IBJJFU definition.
Since the rainbow flag has more colors than the traditional jiu-jitsu belt system, the IBJJFU has simply added another belt rank.
New IBJJFU Belt System:
Red equals life. Tap or you will get that taken away from you.
Orange symbolizes healing. Let your body heal probably after hard training. This can be done by eating lots of acai.
Yellow stands for sunlight. When you are not training, maybe get some sunlight or train outside.
Green represents nature. If you had to wear a green belt as an adult in the “traditional” jiu-jitsu belt system, you should quit now.
Turquoise equals magic & art. Craig Jones picked turquoise. We don’t really know why.
Indigo stands for serenity. The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled when a 225lb spazzy purple belt is on top of you.
If you currently hold a traditional color rank with the IBJJFU, you can apply for an updated belt online through their website. Typically, within 48 hours you will receive an official IBJJFU email with a gif of a cat wearing your newly designated rainbow color belt rank. You will have to actually buy a physical belt somewhere else.
This may cause segmentation in the jiu-jitsu universe as certain schools and affiliations may not be willing to make the transition. For instance, Eddie Bravo, the founder and head instructor of the famous 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu affiliation, recently shared his opinion, “Look into it.”