Martial Arts Revolution

Ranking System

In the days before Kano created Judo, there was no kyu/dan ranking system in the martial arts. A more traditional method of recognizing achievement was the presentation of certificates or scrolls, often with the secrets of the school inscribed. Kano started the modern rank system when he awarded shodan to two of his senior students (Shiro Saigo and Tsunejiro Tomita) in 1883. Even then, there was no external differentiation between yudansha (black belt ranks) and mudansha (those who hadn't yet attained black belt ranking).

Judo created the system of ranks, now used in most other martial arts, that recognize a person's degree of knowledge, ability, and leadership. There are separate ranks for juniors (under 17) and seniors. Judo ranks are identified by colored belts, and ten degrees of advanced grades for black belts. Regular advancement encourages students to achieve more.

7 belts not including dans[white, yellow, orange, green, blue (purple), brown, and black]

Kanō's original kyū-dan grading system:

Judo kyū belt colors in the United States:

Principles and Goals

Judo, as you know, is translated as the "gentle way", teaches the principle of flexibility in the application of technique rather than pure strength. This is the flexible or efficient use of balance, leverage, and movement in the performance of Judo throws and various skills. Skill, technique and timing, rather than the use of brute strength, are the essential ingredients for success in Judo. For example, in Judo classes you may learn how to give way, rather than use force, to overcome a stronger opponent. The principles of Judo, such as "Maximum Efficiency" and "Mutual Welfare and Benefit", can also be used in our dealings with others in life. The ultimate goal in Judo is to develop oneself to the maximum extent possible, always striving for perfection, so that you can contribute something of value to the world. Competition

Similar to all other competitions, Judo competitions consist of a set of complex yet necessary rules. The competition area shall be a minimum of 14m x 14m and a maximum of 16m x 16m and shall be covered by tatami or similarly acceptable material, generally green in colour.

The competition area shall be divided into two zones. The demarcation between these two zones shall be called the danger zone and shall be indicated by a red area, approximately 1m wide, forming part of or attached to the contest area, parallel to the four sides of the competition area.

The area within and including the danger zone, shall be called the contest area and shall always be of a minimum of 8m x 8m or a maximum of 10m x 10m. The area outside the danger zone shall be called the safety area and shall be 3m wide.

An adhesive blue tape and a white tape, approximately 10cm wide and 50cm long shall be fixed on the centre of the contest area at a distance of 4m apart, to indicate the positions at which the contestants must start and end the contest. The blue tape shall be to the referee's right and the white to his left.

The competition area must be fixed to a resilient floor or platform. There two or more adjoining competition areas are used, a common safety area of a minimum of 4m is necessary.

A free zone, a minimum of 50cm must be maintained around the competition area.

Note: Where the Rules refer to blue judogi, blue tape, blue flags, blue scoreboard etc, it is permissible for tournament organisers to specify that both contestants will wear a white judogi, the first contestant called will wear a red belt in addition to the grade belt, the second contestant called will wear a white belt in addition to the grade belt, and the equipment (flags, tape, scoreboard, etc) will be red instead of blue.

In Judo, hygiene is one of the top priorities. The judogi shall be clean, generally dry and without unpleasant odour with nails of the feet and hands cut short. The personal hygiene of the contestants shall be of high standard and long hair has to be tied so as to avoid causing any inconvenience to the other contestants.

Competition durations are limited to 5 minutes for men and 4 minutes for women. Any contestant is entitled to rest between contests for a period of 10 minutes.

Competitors are also advised to wear a white Judogi.