The belt is the smallest part of the uniform and the part people ask about most. Fair enough. It is the only piece of kit you have to earn.
- Five adult belts: white, blue, purple, brown, black.
- Your coach decides when you are ready. Not you. Not us either.
- Size: the same A-size as your gi.
How long does it take?
BJJ grades slowly. Around ten years to black belt is normal with steady training. That sounds like a long time right up until you realise you were not planning to stop anyway.
What about the kids?
Under 16 there is a separate system with more colours — grey, yellow, orange and green — so the milestones come more often.
The right size
The right length wraps twice around your waist, ties flat, and leaves ends hanging 20–30 cm on each side. The table is in the size guide.
Should the belt be washed?
Yes. "Washing away the knowledge" is a myth. The only thing you wash away is the smell. Cold, and hang it to dry.
Can I buy the next belt myself?
Buy it, yes. Wear it, no — not until your coach has said so. But a belt makes a very good present for a training partner who has just been promoted.
Rios was started for one reason: to give something back to local athletes. A good share of the profit has gone exactly there — to the people training and competing here at home. Designed in Norway, run out of Bergen by people who are on the mats themselves. And if you need to swap a size there's no customs, no three-week wait, and you can write to us in English or Norwegian.
Questions about gear, sizing or anything else? Send us a message — there are real people here, and we answer in English.