Owing largely to its organization as an Olympic sport, judo remains one of the most unified martial arts in terms of what is required for individual belt ranks. Although individual schools and organizations may have different specific requirements, the fundamentals and belt requirements are usually similar from program to program.
Beginner
Beginning judo students learn the rules of competition, proper etiquette, footwork and some basic sweeps and throws. At this level, many programs have students practice techniques only as drills. Beginning ranks of judo include the sixth through fourth "kyu" grades, meaning six, five and four ranks prior to achieving black belt status. These are typically represented by yellow, orange and green belts. White belts are worn by new students who have not yet learned even the basic rudiments.
Intermediate
At intermediate levels, judo students learn more complicated throws, ground work, limb manipulations and basic match strategies. Programs that include a street self-defense component might also add kicks and punches from other martial arts. Students will also begin practicing in randori -- a sparring match between two competing classmates. Intermediate ranks run from third to first kyu, represented by blue, purple and brown belts.
Black Belt
The black belt is a symbol of strong competence in many martial arts, and is the default prerequisite for teaching judo. Training for black belt will include advanced moves, instruction in advanced competition and some dangerous moves such as choking an opponent into unconsciousness. To attain this level, most students are expected to participate in live competition at sanctioned events. Black belt promotion tests are often long and grueling, designed to test a student's determination as much as her knowledge of the art.
Advanced Black Belt
Beyond black belt, judo students earn advanced degrees of black. The requirements for these levels vary more widely from program to program than those of the lower belts. Typically, they represent a greater mastery of the fundamentals learned for black belt. At the higher levels of black belt -- fifth degree and above -- requirements begin to focus more on a practitioner's devotion and commitment to the art of judo than to competition performance or learning new techniques.
Competition
Some, but not all, programs require competing in sanctioned tournaments for promotion to any rank. Of these programs, some require that you only compete. Other require that you win a certain number of matches. A third option combines the two, requiring each student to accumulate a number of competition points with different point values for winning, losing and placing in tournament play.
References
- Judo Info: The Judo Rank System
- Judo Info: The History of Judo
- "U.S. Judo Association Basic Judo Manual"; Philip Porter; 1994
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