Benefits of Teaching BJJ as a Blue or Purple Belt

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has a deep-rooted culture of hierarchy and mentorship. Traditionally, black belts are seen as the torchbearers of knowledge and the go-to instructors in most academies. However, a growing number of blue and purple belts are stepping into teaching roles, particularly in beginner and kids’ classes. While it may seem unconventional to outsiders, teaching at this stage of a grappler’s journey carries a wide range of benefits, not just for the students, but for the instructors themselves.

At RollBliss, we understand that growth in Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t always follow a straight line. Sometimes, the best way to sharpen your skills is by teaching others. Our community is filled with passionate practitioners who not only train hard but also give back by helping others learn. Whether you're a blue belt looking to assist in a fundamentals class or a purple belt leading a kids’ program, there’s real value in stepping into that role.

Let’s explore how teaching as a blue or purple belt can elevate your Jiu-Jitsu, shape your mindset, and contribute to your overall journey on the mats.

Key Takeaways

• Teaching BJJ as a blue or purple belt builds deeper technical understanding, communication, and leadership.
• It can reignite passion, reinforce fundamentals, and help you overcome plateaus in training.
• Contributing to the community by teaching creates momentum and strengthens your connection to the art.
• Teaching isn’t just for black belts—anyone with dedication, humility, and clarity can be an effective mentor.

Gaining a Deeper Understanding of Technique

Teaching forces you to break down techniques in a way that’s clear and digestible for others. This demands a higher level of comprehension than simply performing the move yourself. You must understand not just what to do, but why it works and how to explain it.

A blue belt teaching a scissor sweep might suddenly realize that they don’t fully understand the grip placement or hip angle. That gap becomes visible when someone asks, “What if my opponent posts their hand?” As a teacher, you’re pushed to fill those gaps, research details, and tighten your execution.

Purple belts, who generally have more mat hours, often gain tremendous insight by articulating flow sequences, transitions, and timing. Explaining chain attacks or defensive counters enhances your ability to see patterns during live rolls.

At RollBliss, this process of teaching and refining builds a much stronger technical foundation. It’s not just about repeating what your coach said—it’s about owning the material and passing it on with clarity.

Developing Communication and Leadership Skills

Good teachers don’t just demonstrate—they communicate. A blue belt leading warm-ups or drilling with new students starts developing soft skills like patience, encouragement, and adaptability. Teaching forces you to slow down, observe others, and respond to their needs in real time.

This is especially important in kids’ classes or beginner programs. These groups don’t just need techniques—they need guidance. They look to you for support, clarity, and energy. A purple belt leading a youth class learns to manage different personalities, adjust lessons on the fly, and keep the room engaged.

Leadership isn’t just about command—it’s about responsibility. And there’s no better environment to practice that than in a structured, respectful academy where the higher belts are guiding you. Many future black belts credit their confidence and presence not to years of rolling, but to the years they spent teaching, correcting, and inspiring.

At RollBliss, we support the development of these leadership traits by encouraging intermediate belts to share their knowledge and expertise. It’s not just good for the individual—it strengthens the whole team.

Creating a Feedback Loop for Personal Progress

When you teach, you're constantly reviewing what works and what doesn’t—for yourself and others. Watching someone struggle with a move you thought was simple helps you see the subtleties of the technique. You might realize that your explanation lacks a key detail or that you’ve been relying on athleticism rather than proper mechanics.

This feedback loop becomes one of the most powerful tools for personal growth. A student may ask a question that challenges your assumptions. Another may execute the move in a slightly different (but effective) way, making you reconsider your approach. The process keeps your Jiu-Jitsu honest and evolving.

RollBliss champions this idea of mutual development. When you help someone else progress, you sharpen your understanding. Teaching isn’t a detour from learning—it’s part of it.

Building Confidence and Reinforcing Fundamentals

Blue and purple belts often hit plateaus. The learning curve flattens, and the road to brown or black feels long. Teaching can re-ignite your passion by giving you purpose beyond your own personal growth.

Standing in front of a class, explaining a basic guard pass, reminds you that fundamentals matter. It reinforces your understanding of the building blocks of BJJ. And when a student lights up with experience or pulls off a move you taught them, it builds confidence in your journey.

Many instructors say they never truly understood posture in closed guard until they had to explain it to someone else. That kind of realization strengthens your game from the ground up. The belt around your waist may not change, but your depth of knowledge will.

At RollBliss, we’ve seen countless mid-level belts grow into incredible leaders by taking on small teaching roles. What starts as a warm-up demo or helping a white belt drill often grows into a deeper commitment—and a stronger identity on the mats.

Contributing to the Growth of the BJJ Community

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu thrives on community. Every class is built on trust, mentorship, and shared effort. By teaching, you actively invest in that ecosystem. You're not just receiving—you’re giving back.

This is especially true in smaller academies or affiliate programs, where black belt instructors may not be present at every session. Blue and purple belts often fill the gap, making it possible for training partners to continue learning.

At RollBliss, we celebrate that spirit of giving. Our brand was built by grapplers who believe in lifting others as they climb. Teaching, even at an early stage, is a powerful way to create momentum—both for your academy and your personal development.

When Teaching May Not Be the Right Fit (Yet)

Of course, not every blue or purple belt is ready to teach. Some may lack confidence, clarity, or consistency in their training. That’s okay. Teaching should be encouraged, but never forced. It’s something to grow into.

If you’re considering it, ask yourself:

• Can I explain basic techniques without confusion?
• Do I understand the why behind what I’m teaching?
• Am I comfortable saying “I don’t know” and seeking help when needed?

If the answer is yes—or even “almost”—you might be more ready than you think.

And remember, at RollBliss, we support practitioners at all levels, whether you're learning, leading, or both, your role in the BJJ community matters.

Conclusion

Being a teacher in BJJ doesn’t require a black belt—it requires a black belt mindset. When blue and purple belts step into teaching roles, they elevate not just others, but themselves. They learn to speak the language of Jiu-Jitsu with clarity, lead with purpose, and grow with every class they teach.

At RollBliss, we believe in the power of shared knowledge. Whether you're showing a white belt their first shrimp or running a full class, your voice matters. Your journey matters. And your role in this community has more impact than you may realize.

If you're ready to share what you've learned and grow in the process, don’t wait until your next belt promotion. Start now. The mat is your classroom—and you’ve got something worth teaching.

FAQs

Is it okay for blue or purple belts to teach BJJ?

Yes, especially under the guidance of a black belt or experienced coach. Many blue and purple belts teach beginner or kids’ classes effectively, provided they have solid fundamentals and a willingness to continue learning.

What if I make a mistake while teaching?

Mistakes are part of the process—even for advanced practitioners. Be honest, stay humble, and use it as a learning opportunity. Admitting when you're unsure shows maturity, not weakness.

Does teaching slow down my progress in BJJ?

Quite the opposite. Teaching accelerates growth by helping you review fundamentals, identify gaps in your knowledge, and deepen your technical understanding. Many people improve faster once they begin teaching.