A few weeks ago, we shared a video on Instagram highlighting our BJJ Transition Belts and a limited Black Friday offer. The response was bigger than we expected—and it sparked a lot of thoughtful questions.
This post exists for two reasons:
- To explain how transition BJJ belts are made
- To clearly address the most common comments and concerns we’ve received
If you’re searching for transition belts, fading rank belts, or a BJJ belt that shows progress over time, this should answer all your questions.
What Is a BJJ Transition Belt?
Traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belts are constructed with a dyed outer layer and a white cotton core underneath. Over time, training naturally wears the belt down, revealing the white fabric beneath.
Transition BJJ belts use a smarter construction.
Instead of white cotton under the outer layer, the belt contains a second dyed layer in the next rank color. As the belt naturally fades and frays through training, subtle hints of the next belt color appear.
It’s the same wear process every belt goes through, just with a more meaningful visual result.
Common Questions About BJJ Transition Belts
Because transition belts are still relatively new in Jiu-Jitsu, we understand the skepticism. Here are the most common concerns we’ve seen and straightforward answers.
“Isn’t this just self-promotion?”
No—and this is one of the biggest misconceptions.
Transition belts do not fully fade into the next rank under normal training conditions. With realistic belt wear, practitioners typically see minor accents of the next color, not a full transformation.
To make a belt completely appear as the next rank, someone would have to deliberately strip away layers of fabric, which defeats the purpose entirely. At that point, they could simply buy the next belt—and that’s something no product can prevent.
These belts aren’t about pretending to be a higher rank. They’re about visualizing progress and staying motivated through long periods of consistent training.
“My instructor wouldn’t allow this.”
That’s a fair concern.
Every BJJ academy has its own rules around uniforms and equipment. Some limit gi colors, belt brands, or require academy-issued gear.
We always recommend:
- Checking with your instructor first
- Following your academy’s rules and etiquette
It’s also worth noting that most transition belts show very minimal color fade by the time a student earns their next rank.
“Do black belts fade to coral?”
At this time, no.
We currently offer transition belts for:
Our black belts use standard BJJ belt construction.
The reason is simple: advancing from black belt to coral belt usually requires 30+ years. Most black belts go through multiple belts due to wear long before that milestone. A coral fade after 5–10 years wouldn’t accurately reflect that journey.
“Won’t people tamper with their belt to make it look earned?”
In theory, someone could try—but in practice, it’s never been an issue.
We’ve been using transition belts at our home academy for over a decade, and we’ve never seen a practitioner deliberately modify their belt to appear more advanced.
If someone is willing to spend that much effort altering a belt, they could just as easily:
- Buy the next belt
- Or train harder and earn it properly
Rank in BJJ is earned on the mats. The community respects that deeply, and no belt changes that reality.
“Is this just another money-making gimmick?”
No.
Transition belts are slightly more expensive because they cost more to manufacture, not because we inflate pricing. We actively avoid the heavy markups common in martial arts gear.
At our own academy:
- We don’t charge for belt promotions
- We absorb the cost of promotion belts
- We strongly oppose paid testing or forced promotion fees
These belts exist because we enjoy making thoughtful, well-designed gear for the BJJ community—not because they’re high-margin products.
Doesn’t this mean the belt will fade faster if I wash it?”
Yes—and that’s a good thing.
There’s an outdated superstition in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu about not washing belts. In reality, belts need to be cleaned just like gis and rashguards.
Transition belts are:
- Safe to wash cold
- Tumble dry friendly
If this design encourages better hygiene, we consider that a win for everyone on the mats.
“Do you ship internationally?”
Yes—we now offer international shipping to select countries.
If your country isn’t currently listed or you run into any checkout issues, just reach out. We’ll do our best to help.
Why Transition Belts Exist
Every BJJ belt fades eventually.
Transition belts simply tell a better story as that wear happens—one that reflects progress, time on the mat, and commitment to improvement.
They’re not for everyone—and that’s okay. But for practitioners who appreciate thoughtful gear that mirrors the journey of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, they’ve been a lot of fun to wear.
We sold through a large portion of inventory during Black Friday, but new belts are already in production and more sizes will be available soon.
Interested in trying a BJJ Transition Belt?
You can view available belt colors and sizes on our product page. Inventory moves quickly, but we have more belts in production and restocks coming soon.
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