Guide to Judo Belt Colors | Budo Fight ![](https://www.budo-fight.com/favicons/android-chrome-512x512.png) Budo Fight Guide to Judo Belt Colors What is the expected skill level for each colored belt in judo? Budo-Fight provides you with all the informati... Découvrir → budo-fight.com Published on **February 10, 2022** # Judo Belt Colors Judo and its belts have a long and storied history! Beginners start their journey as a judoka with a **white belt**, then progress through various colors before earning their **black belt**. Did you know? The black belt is not actually the highest level of judo mastery! Budo-Fight explains **what each of the different** [judo belts](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/catalog/judo/judo-belts) represents, **the order of the different colors**, and how these belts mark a judoka’s progress throughout the seasons. ## The History of the Judo Belt The judo belt’s primary function is to **keep the gi jacket closed**. Since the jacket is used for specific judo techniques and gripping the opponent, fastening it with buttons or other closures has always been prohibited. To keep it secure, the decision was made to use a belt (spoiler alert: it’s also used for certain ground holds!). ### What is the Japanese name for the judo belt? The judo belt is called **Obi** (and yes, Obi Wan Kenobi actually gets his name from the traditional judo belt! [Learn more here](https://www.lefigaro.fr/cinema/2015/12/11/03002-20151211ARTFIG00068--star-wars-le-secret-du-nom-des-personnages.php#:~:text=Obi%20Wan%20Kenobi%3A%20tout%20comme,au%20titre%20honorifique%20japonais%20san.)). ## Judo Belts in Japan Traditionally, there are only **3 belts in Japanese judo**: the white belt, the brown belt, and the black belt. The **white belt** is for beginners, the **brown belt** is for judoka in progress, and the **black belt** is for advanced judoka who have achieved the wisdom of flexibility (judo means *the way of flexibility*). ### Why are judo belts marked by color? But, as is often the case, there was a need to **identify each rank** among judoka. Identifying each rank allows for: - **Simplifying competitions** by matching judoka of similar levels to compete against each other - **Motivating students** who must follow a long and challenging journey, finding encouragement in moving from one color to the next, and ultimately striving to become a judo expert with the black belt. ## How to Change Your Judo Belt? To change your judo belt, you must demonstrate to your instructor (Sensei) that you have progressed and are improving. The Sensei can either award a higher-ranked belt directly or organize a belt test. The **belt test** is an exam during which the student is questioned and must demonstrate **various techniques** as directed by the Sensei. Afterward, a **randori** (sparring match) is held, where the candidate must showcase their abilities and appropriate responses to different attacks. For the **black belt** and **higher-level belts**, the exam is different, and we’ll cover that in the dedicated sections. ### The White Belt The white belt represents the **beginner level**. It’s the starting point, from which the student is expected to progress. It is given to students of all ages who are new to judo. Every judo beginner must wear a white belt. At this stage, even [tying your belt properly](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/guides/how-to-tie-a-judo-belt) is already a challenge! ### Striped Belts (or Barred Belts) **Striped or barred belts** have only existed in judo culture for about a decade. They come before the white-yellow belt for the youngest practitioners ([baby judo and judo discovery](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/news/news-new-arrivals/everything-you-need-to-know-about-judo-for-kids)), helping them wait for the next step. The striped belt first has **one yellow stripe, then two yellow stripes**. After that, young judoka move on to the white-yellow belt, the first two-color belt. Striped belts only exist for the white-yellow color, not beyond. #### What level is a white belt with yellow stripe(s)? The minimum age to earn a 1-stripe yellow belt is 4 years old. The minimum age for a 2-stripe yellow belt is 5-6 years old. The requirements are the same for both types of white belts with yellow stripes: - Know how to bow on the mat and standing; - Know how to perform a forward and backward breakfall; - Know how to execute the hip throw [O Goshi](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6eNVBMHF9A); - Know how to perform the leg technique [O Soto Gari](https://youtu.be/mgjfBnTMn1c?t=23); - Know how to apply the hold [Hon Gesa Gatame](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD6zVwBGL7s); - Know how to apply the hold [Yoko Shiho Gatame](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU1WkdqwDIY); See the [belt test requirements for the white belt with yellow stripe](http://www.jc-langegardien.fr/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/1.Fiche-de-grade_1-liser%C3%A9-2-liser%C3%A9s-scaled.jpg). ### Two-Color Belts Two-color belts are also given to children to help them **stay motivated and disciplined until the next belt**. They serve as a **reward and motivation** for their hard work and focus. Adults are considered not to need them, so they only have solid color belts. This system has been in place since 1989 to **address the small number of ranks compared to years of practice**. A student who starts judo at age 6 cannot change belts every year, since each new belt requires a minimum age. There are only **three two-color belts**, since judoka who start after age 9 can move through the solid color belt system without waiting more than a year between each new belt, up to the black belt, which cannot be awarded before age 15. The three two-color belts are: - White-yellow belt; - Yellow-orange belt; - Orange-green belt. ### The White and Yellow Belt The **white and yellow belt** is the **intermediate belt between the white and yellow belts**. It follows the same belt test requirements as the yellow belt, as it is only meant to **help younger students wait** until they turn 8 and are eligible for the yellow belt. However, they can earn the white-yellow belt as early as age 7. ## Colored Belts ### The Yellow Belt The student must be at least 8 years old to be eligible for the yellow belt. The [belt test requirements for the yellow belt](http://www.jc-langegardien.fr/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2.Fiche-de-grade_Blanche-Jaune-Jaune-scaled.jpg) are as follows: - Be able to perform the arm techniques [Taï Otoshi](https://youtu.be/4qULKkyKGEA) and [Ippon Seoï Nage](https://youtu.be/-MNm35T8-yU) - Be able to perform the hip technique [O Goshi](https://youtu.be/yhu1mfy2vJ4); - Be able to perform the leg techniques [Hiza Guruma](https://youtu.be/VDsiBURKj-s) and [O Soto Gari](https://youtu.be/c-A_nP7mKAc) - Be able to apply the holds [Hon Gesa Gatame](https://youtu.be/MqbXZnoGFN0) and [Yoko Shiho Gatame](https://youtu.be/1GJn6OEyuO4). ### The Orange Belt The judoka must be at least 10 years old to earn the **orange belt**, but can earn the **yellow-orange belt** as early as age 9. The [belt test requirements for the orange belt](http://www.jc-langegardien.fr/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/3.Fiche-de-grade_Jaune-Orange-Orange-scaled.jpg) are as follows: - Be able to perform the arm techniques [Taï Otoshi](https://youtu.be/4qULKkyKGEA), [Morote Seoi Nage](https://youtu.be/eWEW9SfI5xg), and [Ippon Seoi Nage](https://youtu.be/SGHQrj09O-g); - Be able to perform the hip techniques [O Goshi](https://youtu.be/yhu1mfy2vJ4) and [Harai Goshi](https://youtu.be/qTo8HlAAkOo); - Be able to perform the leg techniques [Hiza Guruma](https://youtu.be/VDsiBURKj-s), [O Soto Gari](https://youtu.be/c-A_nP7mKAc), [Ko Uchi Gari](https://youtu.be/3Jb3tZvr9Ng), and [O Uchi Gari](https://youtu.be/0itJFhV9pDQ); - Be able to apply the holds [Hon Gesa Gatame](https://youtu.be/MqbXZnoGFN0), [Yoko Shiho Gatame](https://youtu.be/1GJn6OEyuO4), [Tate Shiho Gatame](https://youtu.be/XjWzNxlKH1M), and [Kuzure Gesa Gatame](https://youtu.be/Q2fb9jaoUFQ). ### The Green Belt You must be at least 12 years old to earn your **green belt**. However, it is possible to earn the **orange-green belt** as early as age 11. The [belt test requirements for the green belt](http://www.jc-langegardien.fr/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/4.Fiche-de-grade_Orange-Verte-Verte-scaled.jpg) are as follows: - Be able to perform the arm techniques [Taï Otoshi](https://youtu.be/4qULKkyKGEA), [Morote Seoi Nage](https://youtu.be/eWEW9SfI5xg), [Ippon Seoi Nage](https://youtu.be/SGHQrj09O-g), and [Kubi Nage](https://youtu.be/F-4fyNwx52w); - Be able to perform the hip techniques [O Goshi](https://youtu.be/yhu1mfy2vJ4), [Harai Goshi](https://youtu.be/qTo8HlAAkOo), and [Uchi Mata](https://youtu.be/iUpSu5J-bgw); - Be able to perform the leg techniques [Hiza Guruma](https://youtu.be/VDsiBURKj-s), [O Soto Gari](https://youtu.be/c-A_nP7mKAc), [Ko Uchi Gari](https://youtu.be/3Jb3tZvr9Ng), [O Uchi Gari](https://youtu.be/0itJFhV9pDQ), [De Ashi Baraï](https://youtu.be/4BUUvqxi_Kk), and [Sasae Tsuri Komi Ashi](https://youtu.be/699i--pvYmE); - Be able to apply the holds [Hon Gesa Gatame](https://youtu.be/MqbXZnoGFN0), [Yoko Shiho Gatame](https://youtu.be/1GJn6OEyuO4), [Tate Shiho Gatame](https://youtu.be/XjWzNxlKH1M), [Kuzure Gesa Gatame](https://youtu.be/Q2fb9jaoUFQ), and [Kami Shiho Gatame](https://youtu.be/2evEh7OBnBg). ### The Blue Belt To test for the [blue belt rank](http://www.jc-langegardien.fr/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/5.Fiche-de-grade_Bleue-Marron-scaled.jpg), you must be at least 14 years old. The Sensei’s expectations are as follows: - Be able to perform the arm techniques [Taï Otoshi](https://youtu.be/4qULKkyKGEA), [Morote Seoi Nage](https://youtu.be/eWEW9SfI5xg), [Ippon Seoi Nage](https://youtu.be/SGHQrj09O-g), [Kubi Nage](https://youtu.be/F-4fyNwx52w), [Eri Seoï Nage](https://youtu.be/zIq0xI0ogxk), and [Kata Guruma](https://youtu.be/cnHRhSy8yi4); - Be able to perform the hip techniques [O Goshi](https://youtu.be/yhu1mfy2vJ4), [Harai Goshi](https://youtu.be/qTo8HlAAkOo), [Uchi Mata](https://youtu.be/iUpSu5J-bgw), [Hane Goshi](https://youtu.be/M9_7De6A1kk), and [Sode Tsuri Komi Goshi](https://youtu.be/QsmAxpmYLOI); - Be able to perform the leg techniques [Hiza Guruma](https://youtu.be/VDsiBURKj-s), [O Soto Gari](https://youtu.be/c-A_nP7mKAc), [Ko Uchi Gari](https://youtu.be/3Jb3tZvr9Ng), [O Uchi Gari](https://youtu.be/0itJFhV9pDQ), [De Ashi Baraï](https://youtu.be/4BUUvqxi_Kk), [Sasae Tsuri Komi Ashi](https://youtu.be/699i--pvYmE), [De Ashi Baraï](https://youtu.be/4BUUvqxi_Kk), and [Ko Soto Gari](https://youtu.be/jeQ541ScLB4), - Be able to apply the holds [Hon Gesa Gatame](https://youtu.be/MqbXZnoGFN0), [Yoko Shiho Gatame](https://youtu.be/1GJn6OEyuO4), [Tate Shiho Gatame](https://youtu.be/XjWzNxlKH1M), [Kuzure Gesa Gatame](https://youtu.be/Q2fb9jaoUFQ), [Kami Shiho Gatame](https://youtu.be/2evEh7OBnBg), [Kata Gatame](https://youtu.be/TFClghvGD9w), and [Ushiro Gesa Gatame](https://youtu.be/wL1QrvYbyjo); - Be able to perform sacrifice techniques [Tomoe Nage](https://youtu.be/880WbHvHv6A), [Sumi Gaeshi](https://youtu.be/5VhduA5xkbA), [Tani Otoshi](https://youtu.be/3b9Me3Fohpk), [Soto Makikomi](https://youtu.be/bWG9O1BVKtQ), and [Yoko Tomoe Nage](https://youtu.be/9-byceOifXo); - Be able to perform arm locks [Juji Gatame](https://youtu.be/LT7uLQ4_L_4), [Ude Garami](https://youtu.be/AIlTvZb4RlE), [Waki Gatame](https://youtu.be/OtqfF2D8kIc), and [Ude Gatame](https://youtu.be/tK51IkxG8ek); - Be able to perform chokes [Sankaku Jime](https://youtu.be/lq1CUBRAm7s), [Hadaka Jime](https://youtu.be/9f0n8jez7iA), [Okuri Eri Jime](https://youtu.be/EiqyoVcIAi8), [Kata Ha Jime](https://youtu.be/yaTGgRjnwB8), [Nami Juji Jime](https://youtu.be/k2cHry9HByQ), [Kata Juji Jime](https://youtu.be/3VZVUAmiMD8), and [Gyaku Juji Jime](https://youtu.be/t3tQriIPdlI). ### The Purple Belt Judo clubs used to award the purple belt to a blue belt-level judoka who was not yet old enough for the brown belt. This practice is no longer common, but you may still find it in **some South American clubs**, where **Brazilian jiu-jitsu** and judo are closely linked, and the purple belt is indeed a recognized rank. The purple belt is not an official grade according to the [French Judo Federation](https://www.ffjudo.com/). ### The Brown Belt To earn the **brown belt**, you must be at least 14 years old. In addition to the techniques required for the **blue belt**, you must also: - Be able to perform the leg techniques [Ura Nage](https://youtu.be/Fgi9b8DJ5sQ) and [Harai Tsuri Komi Ashi](https://youtu.be/gGPXvWL8VbE); - Be able to perform the hip technique [Utsuri Goshi](https://youtu.be/4pQd_bEnlf0); - Be able to perform the arm technique [Morote Gari](https://youtu.be/BHLQS4K85bs). Additionally, the judoka must demonstrate their progress and a level close to expertise. The brown belt **confirms the judoka’s experience** and gives them **greater mastery**. It is a **technical preparation** for the black belt test. ### The Black Belt The black belt is the **culmination of years of discipline** and hard work. It defines the judoka as an expert and demonstrates their **ability to compete**, **perform kata**, and **contribute to the growth and prosperity of the judo club**. Often seen as the ultimate goal, it is not: first, because **it is not the highest rank in judo**, and second, because **progress never ends** and the pursuit of learning is the true aim of this martial art. This is why the founder of judo, Master Jigoro Kano, was posthumously awarded the **wide white belt** (he is the only one to have ever received it): to show that progress is eternal and that one never finishes learning judo. It’s a bit like Socrates, the founder of philosophy, who said his greatest wisdom was knowing that he knew nothing. ### **How to Earn Your Judo Black Belt?** You must be at least 15 years old to earn your judo black belt. There are two different ways to test for 1st Dan, which is the “first level” black belt in judo: **the competition track** (more or less mandatory before age 30) and **the technical track** (more accessible to judoka over 30, who are considered “veterans” in competition). As the names suggest, the competition track focuses on tournament matches, while the technical track is more focused on kata. There are 4 different technical modules (UVs): - UV 1: Kata - UV 2: Technique - UV 3: Effectiveness - UV 4: Personal involvement in club development The judoka can take these tests **in any order**, except for kata, which must be completed before the competitions known as **shiai**. ### Judo Kata **Judo kata** is a **series of techniques** that the judoka must perform with a partner **in front of a panel**. Similar to a choreographed routine, kata follows a **set order** and each technique must be executed precisely. The candidate must act as the attacker (**Tori**) first, then as the defender (**Uke**), or vice versa. The kata must include the first 3 series of Nage No Kata or the first 12 techniques of Goshin Jitsu. ### Matches (Randori) The judoka preparing for the black belt must **score points in competitions** called **shiai**. These tournaments bring together brown belt judoka aiming for black belt. In shiai, there are no age categories, only weight classes. The judoka must accumulate **100 points over several shiai**, or win **5 matches**, or at least **44 points in the same tournament**. ## What Comes After the Judo Black Belt? The judo black belt actually includes several ranks: - 1st Dan - 2nd Dan (minimum age 17) - 3rd Dan (minimum age 20) - 4th Dan (minimum age 24) - 5th Dan (minimum age 29). Each Dan is awarded after a new kata and a new series of competitions or technical modules. ### The Red and White Belt The **red and white belt** comes after the 5th Dan. It includes 3 distinct ranks: - 6th Dan (minimum age 35) - 7th Dan (minimum age 42) - 8th Dan (minimum age 50). Very few judo practitioners reach 6th Dan, and even fewer reach the higher Dans. ### The Red Belt Not to be confused with the belt used to distinguish judoka during official competition matches, the red belt includes 2 ranks: - 9th Dan (minimum age 60) - 10th Dan (minimum age 73). At this level, recipients become extremely rare. The 10th Dan is called Meijin, which means “Living Treasure”—and rightly so! ### The Wide White Belt As mentioned earlier, the wide white belt is an exception, as it was only ever awarded posthumously to the founder of judo, Jigoro Kano. It’s very unlikely anyone else will ever receive it, both because of the advanced age required (over 80!) and because it belongs uniquely to Master Kano. 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