How long does it take to go from a blue belt to a purple belt in BJJ? It really depends on a lot of things. How often and long someone trains makes all the difference. I was once told the blue belt is the thickest belt, meaning you spend more time as a blue belt than any other belt, 2-5 years. Obviously, black belt being the goal.

I was promoted to blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on May 1st, 2007. I still remember the day I was promoted. I came home so excited that I woke up my wife to tell her. I think I even slept with my new belt that night. I do remember carrying it with me the very next day.

Since being promoted I have never washed my belt. I know that I should, however, I want it to look faded because of the training I put in, not because I wash it once a week.

I have seen blue belts that look like they have been a blue belt for many years, but come to find out they haven’t. They just wash it all the time.

So far I have not noticed any stench coming from my belt, if and when it does, then I will wash it. But for now, I will continue to train and let the faded look come from all time I put into training.