BJJ Black Belt Boom

For much of its history, earning a BJJ black belt was a rare achievement, often requiring decades of training. As the sport spread globally in the 2000s and 2010s, however, the number of black belts grew dramatically. The “black belt boom” reflected both the popularity of the art and the establishment of structured promotion systems worldwide.

While some critics argue that standards have loosened, others see the boom as a natural result of BJJ’s growth. More black belts means more instructors, more academies, and more accessibility for new practitioners. The surge in black belts also diversified the art, with athletes, hobbyists, law enforcement officers, and children’s coaches all earning the rank.