List of Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners
This is a list of notable Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners. Highest graded. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu ranking system awards practitioners different colored belts for increasing levels of knowledge and skill. The system shares its origins with Judo but now has its own character that has become synonymous with the art, including an informality in promotional criteria and a conservative approach to promotion in general generally resulting in a longer time to reach black belt. While black belt is commonly viewed as the highest rank of attainment, a practitioner who achieves the rank of 7th  degree in Brazilian jiu-jitsu is recognized by a belt of alternating red-and-black. In 2013, the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation adopted the alternating red-and-white belt to acknowledge the achievement of 8th degree. (similar to Judo's substitution of an alternating white-and-red belt at the 6th, 7th, and 8th degree). At the 9th and 10th degree the practitioner is awarded a solid red belt, identical to Judo. These exceptional belts are awarded to denote the exceptional status of their wearer and his or her knowledge and overall contribution to the art. The following individuals  are particularly notable practitioners holding these respective ranks: 10th degree (10º grau). The 10th degree red belt was given only to the pioneers of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the Gracie brothers. There are no living 10th degree red belts: Other notable practitioners. Mixed martial artists. This section lists mixed martial artists who practice BJJ as well as others associated with MMA that practice BJJ. Celebrities and athletes. Each person listed is listed with their last known rank and coach, if either are known. The belt rankings may be out of date for some practitioners. Included in this list are also practitioners  that have died. Belt rankings for deceased practitioners are of the last known rank before they died.