How Many BJJ Red Belts Are There? Truth Revealed

By Sarah Miller · November 16, 2047

There are no official red belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for living practitioners—the 10th-degree red belt is reserved for posthumous recognition or awarded to a handful of foundational masters who are now deceased. Only a few individuals, such as Mitsuyo Maeda, Carlos Gracie Sr., and Hélio Gracie, have ever received the 10th-degree red belt.

Understanding the BJJ Belt System and the Myth of the Red Belt

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) ranking system is one of the most respected martial arts hierarchies in the world. It reflects years of dedication, technical mastery, and contribution to the art. The standard adult belt progression includes white, blue, purple, brown, and black, followed by degrees at the black belt level. Beyond black, the highest honor is the red belt, officially known as the 10th-degree red belt.

What Is the Red Belt in BJJ?

The red belt (also called coral belt when referring to 7th and 8th degrees) symbolizes legendary status within the BJJ community. However, the 10th-degree red belt is not an active rank. According to the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), it is awarded only to pioneers of the art who have made extraordinary contributions over many decades.

The 10th-degree red belt is largely ceremonial and symbolic.
It is typically awarded posthumously or to individuals over 70 with more than 50 years of continuous involvement in BJJ.
No living practitioner currently holds the 10th-degree red belt.
The last living recipient was Grandmaster Hélio Gracie, who passed away in 2009.

Historical Recipients of the 10th-Degree Red Belt

The red belt has been conferred on only a select few since the inception of BJJ. These individuals were instrumental in developing and spreading the art globally. Most recipients were direct students of Mitsuyo Maeda or early members of the Gracie family.

Name	Belt Degree	Year Awarded	Status	Contribution
Mitsuyo Maeda	10th-degree red belt	1951 (posthumous)	Deceased	Introduced Judo/BJJ to Brazil; mentor to Carlos Gracie
Carlos Gracie Sr.	10th-degree red belt	1994	Deceased	Founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Hélio Gracie	10th-degree red belt	2000	Deceased	Developed Gracie self-defense system
Reyson Gracie	9th-degree red-and-white belt	2010	Deceased	Senior instructor at Gracie Academy
Rigan Machado	7th-degree red-and-white belt	2023	Living	Prominent instructor and competitor

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that the 10th-degree red belt has only been awarded to three individuals, all now deceased. Current high-ranking masters hold the 7th or 8th degree, denoted by red-and-white (coral) belts. The IBJJF maintains strict criteria, ensuring the rarity and prestige of these ranks.

Current Living High-Rank Holders in BJJ

While no one holds the 10th-degree red belt today, several elite practitioners hold the 7th and 8th degrees (red-and-white coral belts). These ranks require a minimum of 40–50 years of practice and significant teaching contributions.

Notable Living Coral Belt Holders

Rigan Machado – Awarded 7th degree in 2023; renowned instructor and advisor to celebrities.
Relson Gracie – Active promoter of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu; holds 8th degree.
Carlos Gracie Jr. – Founder of Gracie Barra; holds 8th-degree coral belt.
Mauricio Gomes – First non-Gracie to reach 8th degree; pioneer in the UK and Europe.

How Are BJJ Belts Promoted?

The IBJJF provides guidelines for belt promotions, but individual academies and instructors retain discretion. Promotion timelines vary based on skill, competition performance, teaching ability, and time-in-grade.

Standard Minimum Time Requirements

White to Blue: 2 years
Blue to Purple: 2 years
Purple to Brown: 1.5 years
Brown to Black: 1 year
Black belt degrees: 3 years per degree up to 6th, then longer intervals
7th and 8th degree: Red-and-white (coral) belt
9th and 10th degree: Solid red belt (only 10th awarded posthumously)

Frequently Asked Questions About BJJ Red Belts

How many red belt holders are there in BJJ?

There are no living 10th-degree red belt holders in BJJ. Only three people in history—Mitsuyo Maeda, Carlos Gracie Sr., and Hélio Gracie—have received the full red belt. A few living practitioners hold the 7th or 8th-degree red-and-white (coral) belts.

Who is the highest-ranked person alive in BJJ?

The highest-ranking living BJJ practitioners hold the 8th-degree red-and-white coral belt. Notable names include Relson Gracie, Carlos Gracie Jr., and Mauricio Gomes. No one currently holds the 10th-degree red belt.

Can someone earn a red belt in BJJ while still alive?

Yes, but only up to the 9th degree with a red-and-white (coral) belt. The 10th-degree solid red belt is traditionally awarded posthumously or to those near the end of life with over 50 years of service to the art.

What does a red belt mean in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

A red belt in BJJ represents the highest possible rank, symbolizing legendary status and lifetime contribution to the art. The 10th-degree red belt is reserved for the founders and most influential figures in BJJ history.

Has any non-Gracie received a red belt in BJJ?

No non-Gracie has received the 10th-degree red belt. However, non-Gracie practitioners like Rigan Machado and Mauricio Gomes have earned 7th and 8th-degree red-and-white coral belts, reflecting their immense contributions to the sport.