The official certifying organization for the Gracie style of
Jiu-Jitsu is the Federação de Jiu-Jitsu do Estado do Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil.
The Federação controls all teaching certifications (Assistant,
Instructor, Professor, Master, and Grand Master), as well as all
promotions to the rank of Black Belt and above. Not all Black
Belts are certified to teach. The Belt Ranks awarded by the
Federação are (from highest to lowest):
Grand Master -- Red Belt -- 9th & 10th degree
Master -- Red and Black Belt -- 7th & 8th degree
Professor -- Black Belt -- 2nd through 6th degree
Instructor -- Black Belt (without degrees)
Assistant Instructor -- Black Belt (with plain red band)
Fighter -- Black Belt (with white band)
Maguilla's 4th degree black belt
It typically takes between 6 and 15 years to achieve a Black Belt
from the Federação. All promotions involving any Black Belt rank
require the recommendation of 2 Masters and the approval of at
least 5 officials of the Federação. Ranks below Black Belt are
awarded by individual Professors and are then confirmed publicly
through competition with other students of the same rank.
Beginners and new students wear a White Belt. Adult belt levels
progress from White Belt to Blue Belt, then Purple Belt, and
finally Brown Belt, after which the practitioner becomes eligible
for a Black Belt. There are a larger number of belt colors for
children.
Every instructor claiming a rank of Black Belt or above should be
able to prove his rank by showing a Diploma and a Certificate
issued by the Federação with original signatures of the 5
officials of the Federation who confirmed his rank.
If you have a question about a particular instructor's rank, and
he is not on this list, ask to see his Certificate or Diploma
from the Federação or send an E-mail inquiry to:
and I will forward your question to the Federação.
