Judo was the first martial art to introduce the kyu/dan ranking system. Founder Jigoro Kano realized that participants needed encouragement, so he started the modern rank system in 1883. Three years later, his black belt rank students began wearing the customary black belts. In 1907, the modern judogi and obi were introduced. At that time, the belts were only black and white; colored belts came later after Judo spread to other countries.
The lower ranks (below black belt) are called "kyu" and are differentiated by colored belts. The number of kyu (usually 6) and colors used can vary according to country. The upper ranks (usually 10) are called "dan." Dan grade Judokas wear black belts. The first through fourth dan constitute intermediate level, the fifth through eight constitute expert level, and the ninth and tenth constitute master level.
|
Level
|
Colour
|
|
|
6th
Kyu
|
White
|
 |
|
5th
Kyu
|
Yellow
|
 |
|
4th
Kyu
|
Orange
|
 |
|
3rd
Kyu
|
Green
|
 |
|
2nd
Kyu
|
Blue
|
 |
|
1st
Kyu
|
Brown
|
 |
|
1st
- 10th Dan
|
Black
|
 |
The grading syllabus for rank promotion varies with the instructor and school. Although no worldwide standard exists for each rank, a student's years of Judo experience and understanding of skills are taken into consideration. Black belts must also have several years of practice and teaching experience, and the ability to perform advanced techniques.
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