“A black belt is just a white belt who never quit” is a popular proverb in martial arts.
It takes an average of 13 years to earn a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). Progressing is mostly about grit: not quitting. Those who endure to the end will be promoted.
BJJ found its way to the United States in the 1970s, where it grew steadily in popularity. But in the last 10 years, interest and participation in the sport have doubled.
