Understandingorder of judo beltsis not limited to retaining a succession of colours: it is entering a path where, step after step, one builds both his technique, his self-confidence, and authentic respect for others. In twenty years spent watching dojos from the edge of a pond (it happens that a swimmer stops, intrigued by the neighboring discipline), I often reassured parents and young judokas: thegrade progressionseems complex, but behind each colour there are as many encouragements as challenges, always living at its own pace, without unnecessary pressure.
Summary of key points
- ✅ Belt order reflects a technical, personal and respectful journey
- ✅ Progress must be at its own pace, without unnecessary pressure
- ✅ Each rank symbolizes challenges and encouragements
Contents
The order of judo belts: the hierarchy explained at a glance
Whether you're a relative of a young judoka, curious about your beginnings or even tempted by the competition, a question comes up regularly: « What order are the judo belts in? » Be assured, this chain is well established and shared in all clubs in France, as well as in most schools around the world. Here's what we can remember from the outset –
| Grade | Colour (France) | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner (6th kyu) | White | 6 years |
| 5th kyu | White/yellow | 7 years |
| 4th kyu | Yellow | 8 years |
| 3rd kyu | Yellow/orange | 9 years |
| 2nd kyu | Orange | 10 years |
| 1st kyu | Orange/green | 11 years |
| 1st kyu bis | Green | 12 years |
| Pre-dan | Blue | 13/14 years |
| Brown | Brown | 14 years |
| 1st year | Black | 15 years |
Each color embodies a step: at the beginning, we focus on the fundamental aspects; Then, the technique became richer, and later, the mastery, transmission, or the universe of competition were discussed. This is also why the route does not stop in the dark: there are up to ten in (consequential degrees), then the famous red and white belts from the 6th dan, and finally the red, symbol of wisdom and exception. A club teacher recently told how these colors can lastingly mark the memory of practitioners, long after the years on the tatami.
The evolution of judo grades in France and around the world
We all start in a white belt, without any distinction! However, the current belt system has not always been as detailed or strictly uniform across countries. There are various variations from one club or federation to another which it may be useful to keep in mind.
From Japanese origins to a generous European system
Originally, Jigoro Kano, founder of judo, had introduced only three levels: white for novices, brown for advanced, and black for experts. In France, other intermediate colours were introduced mainly to support motivation – especially among children; It is white/yellow, yellow, yellow/orange... until green, blue, then brown before reaching black.
Japan remains committed to a more clean system: for young people and adults alike, the progression goes from white to black, while in France, the multiplication of steps makes it possible to make visible every little progress made. A rhetorical question arises: Is it really the color or the path that makes judoka?
Why so many colors and shades?
The many variations of belts have a primary educational objective: they maintain motivation, speed up learning according to age, and avoid fatigue. In practice, for children, bicolored or straightened belts are used for « maintain the flame » between two major stages. Some professionals also believe that these distinctions help to strengthen the club's attachment and progression. Fun detail: sometimes young judokas proudly wear their white/yellow belt, just to feel that the effort is bearing fruit!
Good to know
I recommend that you consider bicolor belts as an educational way to keep the motivation between two major stages, especially for children.
The complete picture of belts: colours, ages and techniques
Having before the eyes all the course helps to fix personal caps. At each level, there are prerequisites for age, precise technical skills, sometimes also a minimum delay before accessing the new belt. It is regularly observed that the average8-10 yearstraining to qualify for the 1st dan, even among the most passionate.
Summary table and explanations by grade
Here are some reliable benchmarks to keep:
| Belt | Minimum age | Main criteria |
|---|---|---|
| White | 6 years | Start, respect, first steps on the tatami |
| White/Yellow | 7 years | First techniques, falls and kimono outfit |
| Yellow | 8 years | Basic loads, movements, simple attacks |
| Orange | 10 years | Combined, parades, chains, know how to fall |
| Green | 12 years | Advanced techniques, posture, light randori |
| Blue | 13-14 years | Movement control, strategy, mental preparation |
| Brown | 14 years | Advanced combinations, responsibility, autonomy |
| Black (1st dan) | 15 years | Master's, pedagogy, commitment to judoka |
For « in », each passage requires a higher minimum age (e.g.2nd to 17 years, 3rd dan to 20 years, etc.), with an expectation in competition: validation of100 points at the shiaifor 1st adult year (44 for cadets/juniors). Some trainers recall that these levels never prevent them from taking their time. It is better to go at his own pace, even if he waits for the following year to pass a rank if necessary.
How long to move from one belt to another?
Although there is no absolute rule, the majority of children progress, on average, at one level per year (or even two at the very beginning). A determined judoka will often reach the black15 or 16 years. Yet, there is no need to rush or burn the steps: everyone finds their tempo. Experienced fact: some students prefer to stay in blue belt to better consolidate their achievements, proof that the essential thing is to move forward without rushing things. Some professionals also insist on the richness of these bearings, which forge as much humility as technique.
How to prepare for graduation?
The changes in the belt are the rhythm of the life of the dojo; They combine technical test, achievements on the tatami (randori, kata), but also points to acquire during the competitions. It is a moment of exchange with the club, where we learn as much about ourselves as about others – and where many share the same apprehension the day before the passage.
Practical Tips for Success in Levels
Best to keep in mind some essential elements:
- Training:practice regularly (ideally twice a week to make lasting progress)
- Opening:dare to vary the partners, because each encounter on the tatami brings a different experience (it is not uncommon for an unexpected opponent to help overcome a blockage)
- Technical preparation:master its program (ask your teacher: many take advantage of it to see your progress closely!)
- Adapted equipment:choose a approved belt of approximately4 to 4,5 cmof width,8 to 13 seam lines, read in compliance (detail verified at the federal review – some judges are absolutely committed to it)
Sometimes unknown detail: the change of rank always follows precise rules laid down by the federation (FFJDA in France). You are not required to systematically buy a new belt, even if many appreciate this little ritual. Some will prefer to revive an old one, often full of memories!
Stress Management and Mental Preparedness
Success at graduation is not confined to technique or physical strength. Many children (and sometimes their parents!) ask about stress management as exams approach. A trick passed on by several teachers: remembering its beginnings, seeking the support of the group, and remaining humble in the face of progress. Trac, this is also what makes it possible to go beyond D-Day. Some trainers even tell that the best memories come regularly from these small moments of shared uncertainty... And the important thing is to go through the first step, even if it's not always obvious.
Beyond the grade: the philosophy of judo
To raise in rank, certainly, but not at all cost! For in the end, the colour worn becomes above all a reflection of a personal progression, forged by humility, perseverance, and respect for all those who cross your path. Judokas are regularly crossed for whom the belt tells both an inner journey and a simple formal step.
Values that matter more than color
Jigoro Kano had this conviction: each rank represents first an encouragement, not an end. The black belt, far from being an end, on the contrary initiates the beginning of the real path of judoka; In many clubs, competitions are celebrated, but mutual aid and solidarity remain values that prevail. Last point to note – moving alone was never the spirit of judo.
Some talking landmarks: with more38 000black belts active today in France (andover 100,000Since 1946, each advance has a shared history. For many practitioners, each colour symbolizes a journey, made of memories and encounters, rather than a simple picture of results. Some even remember decades after leaving Tatami!
express FAQ to dispel your doubts
Frequently asked questions resurface? Here are some details to help you:
- How long does it take to access the black belt?As a general rule,8 and 12 yearsAlthough some highly trained athletes can move a little faster.
- Can the rank drop?No, it is not withdrawn, but you can choose to stay at a heading, especially in case of club change or rhythm adjustment... This remains a personal journey.
- Are grade systems universal?There are slight nuances depending on the federations: France values progressivity with many belts, while in Japan the passage is more direct in adults.
- Do you need to buy a belt at every progression?This is not imposed: some clubs lend or offer the new belt, others leave it as an option (count between5 and 20 €depending on the range).
- Can everyone progress, regardless of age?Definitely. Beginner adults, children and even seniors have the same chance to advance, as regularity and pleasure guide the practice. Sometimes even a parent joins his child on the tatami, years later!
A doubt about the choice of kimono, preparation or registration? Chat directly with your club teacher, or try a test session: it's often the warm welcome that scores the most. In a large majority of cases, the first door push leads to beautiful discoveries.
Updated on 30 September 2025
