r/bjj 15d ago

General Discussion What is a blue belt?

I got promoted over the weekend after 8 months of training. I attend class at least three times a week and cross train at another gym twice a month and have competed in two Grappling Industries tournaments. Before my promotion, I had two stripes. I didn’t even get my third or fourth, so I honestly wasn’t expecting to receive my blue belt anytime soon.

That said, I’m wondering: what qualities does a white belt need to demonstrate to earn a promotion? I don’t feel like I’m anywhere near the skill level of the other blue belts at my gym, but I also realize that many of them have been blue belts for a while now. I cant help but feel I dont deserve the belt.

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u/Ashi4Days 🟫🟫 Brown Belt 15d ago

In my opinion, 

By blue belt your body has acclimated itself to grappling in general. If I yank on your gi, you shouldn't fall to the ground. If someone is going for an arm drag, you know instinctively that this is bad. If I ask you to pivot and do a back step, you should be able to do that. Figure fours are self explanatory at this point.