<P> When a Brazilian jiu - jitsu black belt reaches the seventh degree, he or she is awarded an alternating red - and - black belt similar to the one earned at the sixth degree in Judo . This belt is commonly known as a coral belt . Coral belts are very experienced practitioners, most of whom have made a large impact on Brazilian jiu - jitsu, and are often addressed within the art by the title master . </P> <P> The International Brazilian jiu - jitsu Federation in 2013, amended the graduation guidelines with respect to the transition between seventh degree and eighth degree black belt . In short, a practitioner who has achieved the rank of 8th degree black belt will wear a red and white belt, which is also commonly called a coral belt . </P> <P> According to Renzo and Royler Gracie, in Brazilian jiu - jitsu the red belt is reserved "for those whose influence and fame takes them to the pinnacle of the art". It is awarded in lieu of a ninth and tenth degree black belt . If a practitioner receives his or her black belt at 19 years old, the earliest they could expect to receive a ninth degree red belt would be at the age of 67 . Brazilian jiu - jitsu red belt holders are often addressed within the art by the title grandmaster . The 10th degree was given only to the pioneers of Brazilian Jiu - Jitsu, the Gracie brothers: Carlos, Oswaldo, George, Gaston and Helio . </P> <P> Few published guidelines or standards determine when a practitioner is ready for promotion; the criterion is generally determined by individual instructors and / or academies . The IBJJF maintains an extensive graduation system that takes into account time - in - grade and membership standing, but makes no mention of specific performance or skill requirements . When instructors or academies comment on the criteria for promotion, the most widely accepted measures are the amount of technical and conceptual knowledge a practitioner can demonstrate, and; performance in grappling (randori) within the academy and / or competition . </P>

What is the highest color belt in jiu jitsu