How do kids belt ranks work in BJJ?

Kids BJJ uses more belt colors than the adult system so children can get frequent, motivating promotions. A common path is white, grey, yellow, orange, and green, often with solid/white or solid/black tip variations depending on the organization and academy. Exact sequences can differ by federation, so ask your coach for their chart. Why more colors: kids need shorter feedback loops. Adult white-to-blue can take years; kids belts mark progress in smaller steps. Stripes or degrees still appear between colors at many gyms. Around age 16 (rules vary slightly by org), athletes transition to the adult belt system. They do not automatically become adult blue belts. Coaches place them at an adult rank that matches skill and maturity, often adult white or blue depending on experience. Focus for parents: consistency and attitude matter more than racing colors. Competition is optional. Ask the academy how promotions work, how long between belts, and what the adult transition looks like at that school.