In Judo, belt colours are used to denote ranks. There are three groups of ranks which reflect age and skill levels. Earlier Judo ranks are called mon and kyu whilst the ten black belt ranks (the expert ranks) are known as dan.
Judo for under 8’s
Kids below the age of 8 are not allowed to compete in Judo, however kids clubs allow under 8’s to learn basic techniques and attend demonstrations. Kids can earn certificates and badges for their successes, and in particular the BJA’s Kano Club allows a fast track into the Mon grading system when they turn 8.
Mon
From 8 years of age, Kids can enter the Mon grading system and start working their way through the 18 levels represented by coloured or banded belts called obi.
Kyu
The 6 kyu ranks (senior grades) begin at the age of 16. Different countries don’t always use the same colours to donate each kyu, and in some there are more than 6 kyu ranks. In Japan, belt colors relate to the age of the student, and some clubs will choose only to use black and white belts. Other clubs often include brown belts for advanced kyu grades, whilst at elementary schools intermediate levels are often represented with green belts.
Dan
Belts are black for the first five dan ranks, whilst levels 6-8 traditionally have alternating red and white panels and levels 9 and 10 wear red belts. In training, however, it is common for all dan levels to wear black belts.
There has never been any promotion above the 10th dan, however there are no actual limits to dan grading. Only fifteen 10th dans have been awarded by the Kodokan in the history of Judo, but should anyone further this they could legitimately be awarded an 11th dan.
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