Jiu Jitsu is a Japanese martial art that has grown in popularity worldwide since its invention in 1460. In 1967, the sport introduced a grading system, later adopted by the Sport Jiu Jitsu International Federation and the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Adult belts are classified as white, blue, purple, brown, and black.
The system’s premise is that students progress from the starting rank (white belt) to higher grades (brown and black belts) as they gain understanding and proficiency in the techniques. Many people begin this journey, but only a few complete it. This article explores what it’s like to transition through the belt system from the perspective of BJJ practitioner Bazil, a blue belt based in London.
Who is Bazil?
Bazil Saleem, 24, is a student at Queen Mary University, pursuing a master’s degree in computer science with honours. He began his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2022 when a friend invited him to try it. After some hesitation and research, he caved and went to a session.
Fast forward three years, and Bazil has fully immersed himself in the student-athlete lifestyle, training diligently during the week alongside his studies. He documents his progress through the belt system, as well as his challenges, on Instagram and TikTok to remind others that these journeys may not be linear, but they are rewarding regardless of the outcome.
Developing Through the Belt System
Bazil, like many other BJJ practitioners, faced numerous challenges while attempting to progress through the belt system. On his path to blue belt, he shared that the most difficult challenge was self-doubt: “I felt like I wasn’t good enough or improving,” which made him overly critical of his progress. This was despite training up to thirty sessions per month and balancing it with university and part-time work.
When he returned to his old gym, Stealth, in Bolton, those feelings intensified. “I was excited to go back to show my old training partners how much I had improved whilst at university,” he said, “but it felt like everyone had improved leaps and bounds past me.”
In an honest reflection, Bazil recalled walking home one day and realising he had been training for a year with “nothing to show for it.” That mindset impacted his first competitions. He scored 0 points in his first match and lost five consecutive matches. “Strangely, they motivated me to train harder to get a win… there’s no way I was going to quit before I got that win.” Two weeks later, he won both of his matches.
Promotions and Future Goals
Bazil’s first belt colour change came after countless hours of hard work both in the dojo and on the competition stage. For those who practice BJJ, it marks a critical milestone—a symbol that they are no longer beginners.
Bazil admitted, “I always thought it would feel good, but when the head coach called out my name and tied the belt around my waist, I couldn’t stop thinking, ‘I don’t deserve this.'” His self-doubt eased when he remembered how much he trusted his coach: “If he thinks I’m ready, then I must be.”
Overall, Bazil’s journey to blue belt has taught him that consistency pays off. “Any struggle, even if it’s not Jiu Jitsu, proves that even if you fail 100 times, if you keep showing up, you will improve.”
Now a confident blue belt, Bazil plans to continue his journey to black belt. Whether it takes 6, 10, 15, or 20 years, he intends to keep training—even if not at the same intensity. He also shared that he’s enjoying travelling and training in different countries, making the most of the experience.
Conclusion
Bazil is a prime example of what can be accomplished with consistent hard work. Known on social media as the white belt who refused to give up, he hopes to carry that same spirit until he earns his black belt.
Developing in martial arts is a process that anyone can embark on, regardless of background or goals. If you’ve been inspired by Bazil’s story, you can follow his journey on Instagram and TikTok at @bazil.bjj or explore other martial arts stories on Kungfu Kingdom.
