I have 2 questions: (1) Does anyone know whether there are formal instructor qualifications in BJJ. (2) Is someone with a BJJ purple belt qualified to teach BJJ?

To my knowledge, generally someone with a purple belt in BJJ is considered qualified enough to instruct lower-ranked students (white belts and, I believe, blue belts). But as there are various BJJ organisations out there (eg 10th Planet, Alliance, Black horse, IBJJF, etc), they may all have different policies.

As for formal instructor qualifications, I am unaware of if there is a standard one, apart from their belt and rank. However this may not take into account different regulations within different countries and insurance companies.

Hopefully someone with experience with BJJ can give their view

Some associations do have formal instructor training, others do not. My academy does have them. I would say this is the exception, not the norm.

Under most associations, a purple belt is more than qualified to teach white a blue belts. Typically, they can not award rank, other than stripes.

With that said, I would be very curious about the purple belt's affiliation. Be sure they are affiliated under someone and have been for a while. There are some out there who seem to be drifters. This can SOMETIMES say negative things about the purple belt and his/her character.

Where ive trained in the past you can have your blue belt as an adult and teach juniors. But usually purple and brown belts will teach alongside black belts.

But as far as i know you dont have to hold an instructing licence.

blue belt is considered a coach and can teach. purple can award stripes, but not belts, but can teach blue belts.

Instructor qualifications and curriculum seem to be the exception and not the norm in the BJJ world.

Article 6 of the IBJJF General System of Graduations makes an allowance for Purple belts to grade up to Blue belt and Brown belts to grade up to purple belt

I have 2 questions: (1) Does anyone know whether there are formal instructor qualifications in BJJ. (2) Is someone with a BJJ purple belt qualified to teach BJJ?

Technically

1: no

2: yes

There are black belts that are anything but great, good, or even half decent instructors. Likewise sometimes one can be a blue or purple and actually teach quite well. Its one of those things where the proof is in the pudding, so to speak.

Technically purple and brown can give stripes and promote to the rank below them- but if one is not a black belt they typically are affiliated with one and award it at the instructors discretion.

Oh boy....I get to use one of my favorite sayings...Not all black belts can teach nor should they try.