Rank Requirements
Like the game Othello, Judo takes a minute to learn and a lifetime to master. The road to the highly coveted black belt is long and arduous. Unlike most American schools of Karate and Taekwondo, Judo black belts do not come easy. It takes time and effort to earn a black belt in Judo. The black belt is only the beginning in Judo. Once the judoka has earned shodan (1st degree back belt) then he or she is finally ready to learn Judo.
In general, a child who begins at age 5 and practices at least twice per week can earn his or her black belt in 10 years. An adult who trains at least twice per week will earn his or her black belt in approximately 7 years.
For Juniors (ages 5-16) the belts rank from lowest to highest: white, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, brown. Each belt has two grades.
For Seniors (ages 17+) the belts rank from lowest to highest: white, green, brown, black, red-white, red. There are three grades of brown, five degrees of black, three degrees of red-white, and two degrees of red.
Good luck and much success as you pursue the highest level of Judo. Train hard and be devoted.
