Rank Promotions
The Judo Rank System
Black Belt Decorum:
When a judoka is promoted to black belt often overlooked is knowing proper etiquette for wearing black belt rank Shodan to Judan. All ranks above Ikkyu Brown Belt may always wear their black belt.
The red and white belt is restricted to ranks Rokudan thru Hachidan and should only be worn at their dojo, serving as clinician, an invited VIP, examiner, special occasions, or given permission. This belt should never be worn in shiai, working out at another dojo, or attending a clinic when you’re not a clinician.
The USJA has a black and red belt that may be worn for Yodan and Godan and is unique to their organization. It seems the etiquette and decorum mentioned with regard to the red and white belt would also apply to the black and red belt.
For ranks Kudan and Judan the red belt may always be worn. Reaching high (kodansha) rank of Kudan and Judan indeed deserves recognition. Whatever your black belt rank is please remember students look up to you as a leader so please set the example displaying good manners, maturity and kindness.
Key Links:
IJF Rank Requirements / Application
Read more about The Belt an article by the IJF
Additional Helpful Links:
Video Kodokan Nage Waza (Throwing Techniques)
Video Kodokan Katame Waza (Grappling Techniques)
The CAJA Belt Test offers on line interactive practice tests
The Judo Information Site has more perspectives on ranks
The Black Belts of Pittsburgh 1969, (the ones Sensei Gary grew up with)
