White

1 stripe
2 stripes
3 stripes
4 stripes

Blue

1 stripe
2 stripes
3 stripes
4 stripes

Purple

1 stripe
2 stripes
3 stripes
4 stripes

Brown

1 stripe
2 stripes
3 stripes
4 stripes

Black

1st degree (after 3 years)
2nd degree (after 6 years)
3rd degree (after 9 years)
4th degree (after 14 years)
5th degree (after 19 years)
6th degree (after 24 years)

Red and Black:  7th degree  (after 31 years)

8th degree (after 38 years)

Red:  9th degree (after 48 years)

(there is also a 10th degree black belt (colored red as well) limited to the 5 Gracie brothers who were the founders of Brazilian jiu-jitsu:  Carlos Gracie Sr., Hélio Gracie, George Gracie, Oswaldo Gracie, and Gastão Gracie)

For additional information visit the IBJJF graduation system page.

Competition scoring in jiu-jitsu is set up to reward positional advancements against your opponent with the greatest amount of points being given for achieving the most dominating BJJ positions.

2 points are given for a takedown.

2 points are given for a sweep (reversing bottom position).

2 points are given for knee on belly (must hold for 3 seconds).

3 points are given for a guard pass (must have control for 3 seconds).

4 points are given for achieving the mount position (must hold for 3 seconds).

4 points are given for taking your opponents back (must have both hooks in and hold for 3 seconds).

After being rewarded points you cannot intentionally switch positions just to return in an attempt to score more points (ex. knee on belly to side control to knee on belly).

Matches are one round typically 5 minutes in length for white belt beginners and increase up to 10 minutes long at the black belt level.  At any time should a submission be secured the match is over immediately regardless of the score at that point.

For more a more detailed explanation of tournament rules from the IBJJF click here.