Judo Belts and Ranks Explained
Judo Belts and Ranks Explained
From white belt to black belt and beyond, judo’s ranking system tells a story of progress. Here is a clear beginner’s guide.
The coloured belt is one of judo’s most recognisable features — a visible marker of a student’s journey. Here is a clear guide to how judo belts and ranks work.
1. The belt system
Colours mark progress.
Students progress through coloured belts — commonly white up through to brown — as they master techniques in judo.
2. Kyu and dan
Two stages.
Ranks are divided into student grades (kyu) below black belt and master grades (dan) at black belt and above — a system invented by judo’s founder and adopted across many martial arts.
3. The black belt
A beginning, not an end.
Earning a black belt (first dan) marks real proficiency — but in budo tradition it is seen as the start of deeper learning, not the finish.
4. A lifelong path
Higher dan grades.
Beyond first dan are many higher degrees, reflecting decades of mastery — the lifelong journey embodied by judo greats like Kosei Inoue.
Frequently asked questions
How do judo belts work?
Students progress through coloured belts (student grades, kyu) up to black belt and beyond (master grades, dan).
What do kyu and dan mean?
Kyu are the student grades below black belt; dan are the black-belt master grades.
Is a black belt the end?
No — in budo tradition it marks the start of deeper learning, with many higher dan grades above it.
Keep exploring
Explore the stories, systems and culture behind Japanese sport.
Sources & notes
- Beginner guide to judo belts and ranks (coloured belts, kyu/dan, black belt, higher grades). General information.
A guide dated 23 June 2026. No copyrighted material is reproduced. General information.
📅 更新履歴
| 日付 | 変更内容 |
|---|---|
| 2026年6月23日 | 初回公開 |
✅ ファクト再検証
最終検証日：2026年6月23日
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