Becoming a Legend – The Journey to the BJJ Coral Belt
The BJJ coral belt represents years of dedication, resilience, perseverance, and, most importantly, unparalleled skill. It’s not just a belt – it’s a testament to a lifetime committed to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
You may think that getting to that level is about mastering techniques and winning championships. In reality, achieving the coral belt is a journey filled with sacrifice, sweat, tears, and unyielding spirit (also, don’t forget quite a few bruises).
We’ll go deep into the path that leads to the coral belt – what it is, what it takes to achieve it, who are the people who hold it, and more. This is something so many people dream of but only a handful achieve. Do you have what it takes? Do you see yourself as one of the elite coral belt holders?
Let’s see what it’s all about but remember – it’s about the journey, not the destination.
What Is the BJJ Coral Belt?
It is a very prestigious and rare rank in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, usually awarded to people who have achieved the rank of black belt and have shown exceptional skill, knowledge and contribution to the art itself. It’s characterized by a black belt with a coral-colored stripe.
What Is a Coral Belt in BJJ?
In short, a coral belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an exceptionally rare rank and represents the top of the BJJ ranking system.
Not many people understand its significance because, to truly understand what is coral belt in BJJ, you must first understand the foundation of the BJJ belt’s hierarchy. You start with the white belt, which is awarded when you enroll in the academy or school. Subsequently, you go through blue, purple, brown, and ultimately the black belt. The black belt means that you’re technically proficient, dedicated to the art, and almost at the top. The journey doesn’t stop here, there’s a level above the black belt, which is symbolized by a black belt featuring a horizontal coral stripe.
The BJJ coral belt is very significant because those who hold it have proven how dedicated they are to this journey. And it’s not just personal growth – it’s also the promotion and preservation of the art itself. Coral belts are not awarded to anyone but to people who have consistently shown unparalleled expertise and knowledge and made significant contributions to the BJJ community. This rank deserves a lot of respect that’s earned through countless hours on the mats and unwavering dedication.
The concept of coral belt is unique to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Other martial arts (like judo and traditional jiu-jitsu) have their own ranking systems but do not have anything equivalent to the coral belt. This is what sets BJJ apart as a discipline that focuses on continuous growth and refinement throughout a practitioner’s life. In its essence, the coral belt means your commitment to the BJJ is lifelong and your status is that of a true legend.
How Many Coral Belts Are There in BJJ?
If you’re not that familiar with the concept of the coral BJJ belt, you probably think there’s only one – you get the black belt, get a coral stripe and that’s it.
But that’s not the case because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has a system beyond the commonly recognized white, blue, purple, brown and black, and those are the coral belt level; yes, there’s more than one. These would be the 7th and 8th degree belts, and you’ll recognize them by their distinct designs.
1. Black Belt (1st to 6th Degree)
This belt is awarded to people who are highly proficient in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They receive stripes on their black belts (up to 6), and each represents a degree. A 6th degree black belt is the last rank before transitioning into the coral belts.
2. 7th Degree Black Belt (Red and Black Coral Belt)
Usually, the 7th degree coral belt (also known as the 7th degree black belt) is awarded to people who have been black belts for more than 30 years and it’s a recognition of not just skill, but of a lifetime of dedication to the sport. This is the level between a black and a red belt and it’s called coral because of the alternating black and red colors.
3. 8th Degree Black Belt (Red and White Coral Belt)
This is right above the 7th degree and represents a person even more dedicated to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A person holding this belt has dedicated their life to the art and contributes to it in many ways (such as teaching, promoting, etc.)
After the 8th degree coral belt, the practitioner will eventually transition to the 9th and 10th degree, and both of these are solid red belts. These highly elite belts show the grandmaster status and represent the highest level of achievement. Throughout history, there have been only a few people who have been awarded these belts.
7 Requirements for Obtaining Coral BJJ Belts
Before you even think of embarking on this journey, know that it’s going to take years. To get a coral belt, you’ll need a lot more than just impeccable technique — you’ll need a deep commitment to the art and its propagation.
When it comes to the lower ranks, you’ll need to demonstrate certain techniques and abilities to be able to progress, but the criteria for getting a coral belt go beyond this.
Here’s an overview of the requirements.
1. Time in Rank
For the 7th degree, you’ll need to have been a black belt for at least 30 years before being considered for this rank. This may seem like a lot (and it is!), but the time frame ensures you have a deep understanding of the art.
For the 8th degree, you’ll need an additional period of time (usually 7 years) at the 7th degree rank before you can move on to the next one.
2. Contribution
Practicing isn’t enough at this level – you’ll need to make some serious contributions to the BJJ community in the form of teaching, opening schools, promoting the sport, participating in seminars, etc. Basically, you need to engage in activities that benefit the BJJ community and enrich it.
3. Moral Character
This probably won’t come as a surprise, but a coral belt holder has to have a strong moral character and embody the virtues of respect, humility, and integrity. They should be a role model for future generations and uphold the highest standards of behavior – both inside and outside of the dojo.
4. Technical Mastery
That’s a given – you need to be technically proficient, but it’s deeper than just that. You need to have a deep understanding of BJJ and to be able to impart your knowledge.
5. Community Recognition
You can’t do this by yourself – you need your community to back you. The respect and recognition of the broader BJJ community is essential to get to the coral belt rank, because it shows that you’ve truly made an impact on other people and on the sport.
6. Continuous Learning and Adaptation
All martial arts, including BJJ, are evolving disciplines. If you want to be a coral belt holder, you need to show a willingness to keep learning and should be able to adapt to new techniques and strategies and integrate them into your teachings.
7. Being a Leader and a Mentor
This is one of the most important responsibilities a coral belt holder has: being a mentor, a teacher, and a leader. You need to guide the next generation and you need to have a proven track of producing competent black belts.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Coral Belt in BJJ?
Typically, you’ll have to have been a black belt for at least 30 years to even be considered for a 7th degree black belt (red and black coral belt). After that, you’ll need about 7 more years to be considered for the 8th degree belt. Overall, it’s not unusual for people to devote 40 or more years to this process before they can hold the red and white coral belt.
How Do I Get a Coral Belt in BJJ?
Getting to that level of holding the coral belt is a journey – it’s decades of dedication, practice, and contributions to the martial art.
Before this level, you had to have gone through technical exams and tournament practices, but the process for the coral belt is far more intricate.
As previously mentioned, be prepared to be at the black belt level for at least 30 years. You should demonstrate not only the skill but also the commitment to teaching, mentoring, and promoting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
As the years go by, potential coral belt candidates become the pillars of the BJJ community and are recognized for their extensive knowledge, leadership, and character.
Awarding the coral belt is not just a formality — it’s a ceremony where your peers and the larger BJJ community recognize a person’s achievement.
How Difficult Is It to Get a Coral Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Coral belt in BJJ is very challenging to achieve, which is why it’s so respected and elite. You’ll need a blend of sacrifice, dedication, spirit, and knowledge to get to the coral belt, but even then, there’s no guarantee you’ll get it. There are a lot of very dedicated people who never went beyond the black belt.
If you want a coral belt just for the sake of having it, there’s little to no chance you’ll actually get it. This is because the coral belt holder’s focus is on the art itself and on their community. For them, it’s not about the belt – it’s about their passion for the sport, about engaging with their community and about a lifetime of bettering themselves and working tirelessly to enrich Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
You’ll need a lot of resilience and patience to get through it, but what this process can teach you can also benefit your personal life, not just your BJJ journey. Motivation plays a huge part in your progress, so make sure you’re doing this for the right reasons.
While the actual awarding of the belt is undoubtedly an honor for everyone, only those truly committed to the art can achieve this level.
List of Coral Belt Holders
You must be curious who are the people who were able to get the coral belt and who are the sport’s most prominent figures. There are several coral belt holders, but we’ll dedicate a bit more time to the most prominent five.
1. Rickson Gracie
Often regarded as one of the most talented grapplers in BJJ history, Rickson’s record in professional fights is unbeaten. He’s famous for his deep understanding of the art and has played a big role in making BJJ more popular around the world.
2. Rorion Gracie
Rorion co-founded the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is one of the earliest members of the Gracie family. His efforts have been instrumental in the global spread of both BJJ and mixed martial arts.
3. Carlos Gracie Jr.
The founder of the Gracie Barra team and the founder of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), one of the largest BJJ associations worldwide. Carlos Gracie Jr. has dedicated his life to the sport’s proliferation, establishing academies in multiple countries and fostering a new generation of champions.
4. Royce Gracie
Royce could be considered as the person responsible for popularizing the BJJ sport worldwide with his spectacular performances in the early days of UFC.
5. Jean Jacques Machado
A congenital birth defect has left him with only a thumb on his left hand, but that didn’t stop Jean Jacques from becoming one of the most respected figures in BJJ. And what’s more, his technical knowledge and teaching methodology is a source of inspiration for countless people all around the world.
6. Relson Gracie
Another prominent member of the Gracie family, Relson has made significant contributions to the growth of the BJJ community in Hawaii and the mainland U.S. His emphasis is on self-defense and practical applications of BJJ.
7. Yvone Duarte
She is best known for being the first female to attain the elusive and prestigious Black Belt and Coral Belt. She is considered the most influential person to inspire females into the sport.
This list is updated to include Coral Belt holders in 2023. There are, however, simply too many renowned and popular names in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for us to cover in detail, so we’ll stop here, and list other important and recognized names below.
Other Coral Belt Holders
- Royler Gracie
- Pedro Sauer
- Joe Moreira
- Fabio Santos
- Mauricio Motta Gomes
- Fabio Gurgel
- Jean Jacques Machado
- Carlos Machado
- Rigan Machado
- Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti
- Osvaldo Alves
- Ricardo De La Riva
- Rilion Gracie
- Sergio “Malibu” Jardim
- Cosmo Dias
- Carlos Henrique Elias “Caique”
- Paulo Caruso
- Fabricio Martins
- Roberto Lage
- Sergio Penha
- Crolin Gracie
- Marcio Dos Santos
- Fernando “Pinduka”
- Marcio Stambowsky
- Carlos Rollyson
- Ricardo Liborio
- Jurandir Moura
- Sylvio Behring
- Ricardo Cavalcanti
- Crezio De Souza
- Rolker Gracie
- Pascoal Duarte
- Wellington “Megaton” Dias
FAQ
Are There Higher Ranks Than Coral Belt in BJJ?
Yes, there are. After the 8th degree coral belt (red and white), you can achieve the 9th and 10th degree belts, which are solid red. They are often called “grandmaster belts.”
Do I Get Paid for My Coral Belt?
No, you will not receive any money for achieving the coral belt in BJJ. The belt represents a lot more than a way to make money. However, achieving such a high rank will enhance your reputation, which can lead to more opportunities that you may get monetary compensation for.
Conclusion
Now you know that, after the black belt, your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu path is going to become a lot more than perfecting your technique. It’s going to become more about shaping the next generations, influencing the direction of the sport itself and leaving a legacy.
Now it’s your turn to say something! Who is your biggest BJJ inspiration and why? Have you ever had the privilege of attending a seminar held by a coral belt holder? What virtues do you believe a coral belt holder needs to have?
Leave any thoughts and opinions and let’s discuss!
References:
- “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Ranking System,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu_ranking_system (accessed Oct. 9, 2023).
- Brendan Hanley, “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Mental Resilience,” UW Tacoma Digital Commons, https://digitalcommons.tacoma.uw.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1090&context=edd_capstones (accessed Oct. 9, 2023).
- “History of UFC,” Ultimate Fighting Championship, https://www.ufc.com/history-ufc (accessed Oct. 9, 2023).
- Mike Callan, “History of the Grading System,” ResearchGate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299604160_History_of_the_Grading_System (accessed Oct. 9, 2023).
- Terrance L. Tarver, Jacob J. Levy, “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Players’ Motivations to Train,” Frontiers in Psychology, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1240351/full (accessed Oct. 9, 2023).
