Grading/Rank

The rank of a Judoka is marked by the Kyusystem and represented by a belt which changes colour according to ability and experience. The order of the belts used in British Judo are (from lowest to highest rank):

  • White - this signifies a complete beginner
  • Red - this shows that the Judoka is an official member of a Judo club.
  • Yellow
  • Orange
  • Green
  • Blue
  • Brown
  • Black

Once a judoka achieves black belt they become known as yudansha (one with dan), as opposed to mudansha (one without dan), and embark on a new grading system, aptly known as the dan system, which ascends from 1st dan.