How Long Does It Take to Get Good at BJJ?
One of the most common questions people ask when starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is: how long does it take to get good? The answer depends on how you define “good.” For some, it means being able to defend themselves in a real-life situation. For others, it means earning a belt or winning a competition. The truth is, there are different stages of progress in BJJ, and each one brings a new level of skill, confidence, and understanding.
What Does “Good” Actually Mean?
In the beginning, many people aim to be able to handle themselves against someone who has never trained. That usually happens after a few months of regular practice or after completing our structured basics course. At this stage, you’re learning how to stay safe, how to escape bad positions, and how to apply a few key techniques.
The next big milestone is the blue belt. On average, it takes around two years to earn, though it can be shorter or longer depending on how often you train and how quickly you learn. A blue belt means you have a good understanding of the fundamentals and know what to do from all the major positions. You don’t have to be an expert, but you can hold your own against most people your level. Competing can help you get there faster, but it’s not a requirement.
As you keep training, your goals and your idea of “good” start to change. At purple belt, you’re not just surviving anymore—you’re starting to understand all the advanced techniques and can play the same game that the best in the sport play. At brown belt, your fundamentals are sharp, and you move with confidence and control. It takes years to reach these levels, but you’ll notice real improvement long before then.
The First Year Is the Hardest
The early months of BJJ often feel the hardest. It’s tough to try new moves when everyone around you is better. If you’ve done other sports before, especially grappling or contact sports, you might adapt faster. But even if you’ve never trained anything before, don’t worry. With time, the gap closes. Everyone starts at zero.
The real key to progress isn’t talent—it’s consistency. Training three to four times per week is a great pace for most people. Training more often can lead to faster results, but it doesn’t always mean you’ll improve more for every hour you spend. If you train less than twice a week, progress is still possible, but it’s slower and can feel frustrating at times.
How to Improve Faster
If you want to improve faster, there are a few simple things you can do. Try to catch at least one of each basics or fundamentals class every week. Each one covers a different angle of the week’s theme. Study the technique videos on BJJ Lab Online and watch your own sparring rounds (also possible on BJJ Lab Online). Taking notes after class helps lock in what you’ve learned. Most importantly, train to learn—not just to win. Play with new techniques, take risks, and focus on the long game.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
There are also a few things to avoid. Training too hard all the time can lead to injuries and slow learning. It has its place, especially before a competition, but not every day. Chasing flashy techniques while skipping the fundamentals is another common trap. Fancy moves only work when your basics are solid. And finally, don’t get too comfortable. Test yourself now and then—join our competition class or sign up for a local tournament. You’ll learn a lot about where you are and what to work on next.
Progress Over Belts
Most of all, try not to chase belts. It’s tempting, but it often leads to frustration. Focus on getting better instead. Worry about your skills, not your belt. If you keep showing up, keep learning, and enjoy the process, the belts will come with time.
So how long does it take to get good at BJJ? Long enough that you’ll have to be patient—but not so long that you won’t notice progress along the way. Keep training, and you’ll be surprised by how far you’ve come before you even realize it.
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