Do blue belts in bjj have the widest range of levels?

[shamster]

I notice that when rolling with blue belts, there seems to be a big range of skill differences among them. Some, I can hold my own and at least give them a very hard time (in some cases, I can prevent them from tapping me). Other blue belts however, seem to make very short work of me.
I don't notice this much difference among other belts though. The purples and browns I've observed seem mostly consistent, with a smaller variation in skill level within their belts. Is the blue belt level where the most "improvement" is made before the next promotion?

[1bad65]

The way I've heard a blue belt described is as someone who knows the basic subs, escapes, passes, sweeps, etc and is fairly proficient at applying them. I've been told that the difference in 'moves' a higher belt knows is very small, the difference is the application of the moves themselves. People who are higher in BJJ (black/brown) also say that at the purple/brown area you tend to develop your own 'game'. Also some of the better blues you roll with may be close to getting their purple belt. Another thing is that some higher belts tend to let people work with them, not just go 100% and tap out people asap. The ones that let you work are good for working your offense, the people who always go 100% are good to work defense on.

[pstevens]

I would say at the white and blue belt in BJJ, there is a wide range of skill level. This happens for many reasons. For one, many people don't have access to a black belt to award them - hence, I know of plenty of white belts who can tap most blues easily. But the thing I notice the most, especially with serious athletes, is that they DON'T CARE!... That's right, many people just train in submissions and don't care about their next belt. I'm the same way.

[aseepish]

Threre's an excellent article about this very subject on http://royharris.com (unfortunately that site is being updated and is down at the moment).

Essentially, the belt is less improtant than the person wearing it. Blue belts who are in better physical shape, who train more often, who compete more often are going to be better who those who maybe got their blue belt a year ago and then haven't trained as seriously. Those blue belts that have a background in high school or college wrestling are going to be better than those who spent all their free time playing computer games. Those blue belts who immerse themselves in their training and commit 100% to every class offered are going to be better than those who work full time and have kids to take care of.

Different clubs have different standards for promotion. Some simply require knowledge of the basics, others require a number of tournament victories, and/or a test of physical ability (i.e. do 100 push ups, sit ups, pull ups etc.).

That's why it takes some people a mere two years to get their purple belts after being promoted to blue, while it takes others five.

[kiddbjj]

moving up to purple and beyond is based on ability in rolling, not merely the acquisition of new techniques. so its conceivable that once you get your blue you could spend the rest of your life their if you don't make that 'jump' in ability and step up your game. this is why BJJ is so great. the belts actually represent skill, not just learnt techniques. the purples i know are pro mma fighters or successful grappling tourney athletes. so unless i can step up to that level of performance i'll go to my grave as a blue. but thats cool with me. to me, getting my blue was just an acknowledgement that i'd learnt the rudiments of BJJ and now i can start playing the real game, much the same way you might learn the rules and techniques of basketball and be ready to get into a local competition. thats where the real learning occurs.

[pstevens]

moving up to purple and beyond is based on ability in rolling, not merely the acquisition of new techniques. so its conceivable that once you get your blue you could spend the rest of your life their if you don't make that 'jump' in ability and step up your game. this is why BJJ is so great. the belts actually represent skill, not just learnt techniques. the purples i know are pro mma fighters or successful grappling tourney athletes. so unless i can step up to that level of performance i'll go to my grave as a blue. but thats cool with me. to me, getting my blue was just an acknowledgement that i'd learnt the rudiments of BJJ and now i can start playing the real game, much the same way you might learn the rules and techniques of basketball and be ready to get into a local competition. thats where the real learning occurs.

I couldn't have said it better. Many people in BJJ can get their blue belt, but the purple belt and beyond is usually reserved for people with more ambitions, athletic ability and an aptitude for the grappling game. There's a big difference between a purple and blue belt.

The first time I rolled with a purple belt, I was crushed over and over again like nothing. Now, I've rolled with brown and black belts, but they usually take it easy on you because they're way ahead. Purples will usually NOT take it that easy because you are "supposedly" right under them.

[blitz]

You'll learn more if they don't take it easy on you.

[1bad65]

You'll learn very good defense if they don't take it easy on you. A good instructor lets you work your offense too though. Just my opinion.

[JkD187]

Very good points indeed......Also alot of BJJ blackbelts and champs(as dose Roy Harris)say that BJJ get smaller and smaller as you get beter...in the white belt stage you pay your dues and get your ass handed to you....when your a blue you expand your game and try a variety of new techs and setups....in purple you do the same thing only at a higher level of intensity and skill....Brown and black you basically know what works best for you and concentrate at becoming experts at certain techs and set ups...besides by the time your a legit black you will be fam with about 97% of most attacks used in BJJ.

[LoneHusky]

You'll learn very good defense if they don't take it easy on you. A good instructor lets you work your offense too though. Just my opinion.

Mine too....

[LoneHusky]

BJJ guys really earn their belts.