In July 2017, Rickson Gracie was awarded the red belt. The 9th degree red belt is the highest belt possible for any living BJJ practitioner. the 10th-degree red belt exists but it was given only to Jiu-Jitsu pioneers, Gracie Brothers.
Rickson Gracie was promoted to the red belt by his brother Rorion, however, he is still using his Coral belt.At a seminar in the US, Rickson was asked why is he not wearing red belt.Rickson answered that he was conflicted should he accept promotion because of the reason that it was his brother’s decision. He thinks that jiu jitsu is missing a body of members who can decide who and when to promote someone to red belt.
