Color						Japanese name
White						6e Kyu
Yellow						5e Kyu
Orange						4e Kyu
Green						3e Kyu
Bluew						2e Kyu
Brown						1e Kyu
Black						1e t/m 5e dan
Red - White blocked						6e t/m 8e dan
Red						9e en 10e dan

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Function of the belt / obi

The primary function of the belt (obi) is keeping together the judogi (judo uniform). Moreover the color of the belt indicates the degree of experience/achievement. The system of Kyu-rank system has been developed by Jigoro Kano.

The sixth up to and including first Kyu grade are called student ranks, the Dan-grades are called expert ranks.

To qualify for a next higher rank waiting times and age limits has been determined internationally. A waiting time indicates the period which is minimally necessary for training the skills and increased knowledge to the next level. For the first Dan a minimum age of 16 years applies.

In the Dutch national graduation system the so-called “slippen” system (so called “half kyu) has been determined for the judo youth up to 12 years

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• Place one end of obi on the left side of the body, at about the height of the hipbone
• Wrap the obi around the body from left to right (two times), until there is just enough of the other end remaining to tie the knot
• Bring the end around from the left side and tuck it under all the other layers of the obi, from bottom to top
• Fold the tab that protrudes from below over toward the right. Fold the end down over it
• Pull the end back up through the loop formed with the tab, and pull both tight to form the knot
• The ends of the obi should be approximately 20 cm
• The obi should be worn at the height of the hipbones

This image was created and copyright © by Anders Dovervik of Stockholm's Judo Club.
Used with permission.

Webdesign: R.Grouls