<P> In addition to the belt system, many academies award stripes as a form of intra-belt recognition of progress and skill . The cumulative number of stripes earned serves as an indication of the student's skill level relative to others within the same belt rank . Stripes may consist of small pieces of cloth sewn onto the sleeve of the belt, or simple pieces of tape applied to it . Although the exact application, such as the number of stripes allowed for each belt, varies between institutions, the IBJJF sets out a general system under which four stripes can be added before the student may be considered for promotion to the next bjj belt . Stripes are only used for ranks prior to black belt . After black belt is achieved, the markings are known as degrees and are awarded formally . Time - in - grade and skill level are both important factors . Stripes are not used in every academy and, where they are used, they may not be applied consistently . </P> <P> A tradition practiced in some Brazilian jiu - jitsu schools immediately after a promotion, is known as "running the gauntlet" ("passar no corredor" in Portuguese). This generally follows one of two basic patterns . The newly promoted student is hit on their back with belts--once by each of their fellow practitioners--as he or she walks or runs past ("faixada" in Portuguese), or he or she may be thrown by each instructor and sometimes also by each student in the academy of equal or higher grade . Advocates for the custom argue that "running the gauntlet" serves as a method of team building and reinforces camaraderie between classmates . </P> <P> Other initiation customs may involve being hip - tossed by the instructor in a controlled manner . </P>

How long to get belts in jiu jitsu