EVERY BELT.
A NEW CHAPTER.
Every grade represents dedication, learning and progress. Explore the journey from your first white belt to the highest levels of Judo.
DISCOVER THE BELTS ↓
PROGRESS
IS EARNED.
Every Judoka begins a journey of learning. Every belt marks another stage along the way.
Judo grades recognise developing technical ability, understanding, commitment and experience.
At Barnet Judo Club, members follow appropriate grading pathways according to their age and development, including British Judo Council primary, junior and senior grades.
Your Sensei will guide you through the relevant syllabus and explain when you are ready to grade.
MORE THAN
A BELT.
From the white belt of a beginner to the red belt associated with the highest Dan grades, every colour represents another chapter in a lifetime of learning.
WHITE.
6TH KYUThe beginning of the journey.
YELLOW.
5TH KYUBuilding strong foundations.
ORANGE.
4TH KYUDeveloping skill and confidence.
GREEN.
3RD KYUGreater understanding and control.
BLUE.
2ND KYURefining technique through practice.
BROWN.
1ST KYUPreparing for advanced study.
BLACK.
1ST–5TH DANAdvanced grades and continued learning.
RED & WHITE.
6TH–8TH DANAlternating red-and-white bands.
RED.
9TH–10TH DANThe highest recognised Dan levels.
KYU.
Kyu grades recognise progression before the Dan grades. In the senior pathway they run from 6th Kyu towards 1st Kyu.
DAN.
Dan grades begin at 1st Dan and progress through advanced levels. A black belt represents continued learning, not the end of the journey.
YOUR GRADE.
YOUR JOURNEY.
Choose a pathway to explore the grades and belt combinations used for different stages of Judo development.
PRIMARY GRADES.
White belts with coloured tabs.
Ask your Sensei about the correct syllabus, grading requirements and eligibility.
THE LITTLE
DETAILS MATTER.
Coloured tabs are used in certain BJC grading pathways to show progression within a belt colour.
The number and colour of tabs depend on the Judoka's grade. Your coach can confirm the correct arrangement.
CHECK THE CORRECT TAB COLOUR.
Your Sensei will confirm the colour required for your grade.
POSITION THE FIRST TAB.
Place it approximately 1.5 inches from the end of the belt, following club guidance.
SPACE ADDITIONAL TABS.
Leave approximately half an inch between tabs.
KEEP THE TABS CONSISTENT.
Use the correct number of tabs, all in the colour appropriate to the grade.
THE BELT
IS NOT
THE GOAL.
The real achievement is the Judoka you become along the way.
From the first lesson to the highest Dan grades, Judo is a journey of continual improvement.
Every training session brings opportunities to develop your technique, confidence, character and understanding.
TRAIN. LEARN. PROGRESS.
GRADING
QUESTIONS.
A few things every Judoka and parent should know about grading.
WHEN WILL I BE READY TO GRADE?+
Your Sensei will assess your progress and explain when you are ready for the next grading opportunity.
DOES EVERYONE FOLLOW THE SAME PATHWAY?+
No. Different grading pathways apply to primaries, juniors and seniors. Your coach will explain which applies to you.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KYU AND DAN?+
Kyu grades are the student grades. Dan grades are advanced grades, beginning at 1st Dan.
IS A 6TH DAN BELT RED AND WHITE?+
Yes. The traditional belt associated with 6th, 7th and 8th Dan has alternating red-and-white bands. High Dan holders may also continue wearing a black belt for everyday practice.
WHAT COLOUR IS A 9TH OR 10TH DAN BELT?+
The traditional belt associated with 9th and 10th Dan is solid red. These are exceptionally high grades.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE BJC SYLLABUS?+
The British Judo Council publishes its grading syllabus online. VIEW THE OFFICIAL BJC SYLLABUS ↗
YOUR NEXT
CHAPTER AWAITS.
Every grade begins with the decision to keep learning. Train with us, develop your skills and continue your Judo journey.