What Do The Different Colors Of Judoka Belts Mean In Judo?
Paige and I have been active in various types of martial arts over the past 2 decades. Woman new to learning about judo always ask us what the different colors on Judoka Belts mean.
If you are not familiar with the word Judoka. You are not alone. Most Westerners have no idea what it means. A Judoka is a student or someone who practices Judo.
The obi (the Japanese word for belt) was originally created in Japan. The Japanese invented the obi to hold the kimono jacket in place. It wass also developed to avoid injury to the wearer and his partner. However, the belt colors and their order also help identify ranks and motivate students. Thus, acquiring colors becomes a kind of journey.
Each color represents a distinctive sign and a symbol of a hierarchy. It even represents an reward and to encourage the efforts and progress of the judoka. An object of recognition by his peers, the color of the belt serves to set limits and steps for progress.
But be careful to distinguish between traditional belts in Japan and Western belts! Mikinosuke Kawaishi developed the western belt color system. Kawaishi-San considered that Westerners would not adapt well to the Japanese system. Traditionally, there are only three colors in Japanese judo: white, brown, and black for beginners. Judoka keep the white and brown for years. This requires great patience. Special grades have even been created to reward children for their progress without discouraging them.
When Do The Colors Of Judoka Belts Change?
In France, there are eight single-color belts and four to six two-color belts. The order of which corresponds to the judoka’s progression. Advancing to the next higher belt requires mastery of certain required techniques. Up to the black belt, kyu (grades) are validated, followed by dan (degrees) that reflect increasing expertise.
Achieving a grade doesn’t just mean improving your performance. Mastering judo involves progress in both moral values and technical mastery. Each grade marks progress in Shin Ghi Taï (spirit, technique, efficiency). Impeccable behavior and values such as respect are essential for the progression of the judoka. All judoka must adhere to the moral code of judo.
It is the sensei who decides who moves up in rank or not and who awards the higher belt. He either awards it directly. In some cases he will organize a grading through a randori. A randori is a fight against another judoka. This is so the judoka can put into practice the acquired techniques. As for the black belt, the judoka must pass an official exam. It is only awarded to the judoka by the Specialized Commission for Dan and Equivalent Grades (CSDGE).
The Symbolism of Colors
In Japan, the white belt represents purity and innocence. It is the entry-level of judo. The judoka discovers the discipline of Judo. They also develop the desire to acquire skills and ambition to one day reach the other colors.
The yellow belt represents energy and the practice of the first techniques learned. At this time, the student begins to integrate the judo values. These values include listening, respecting the sensei, team spirit and sharing.
The orange belt refers to a cyclical dimension of discovery, discouragement, and progression. It is a dynamic stage, which involves new techniques, the realization of first coordinated movements, and training.
The Long Road To Expertise
The green belt symbolizes the first achievements and obstacles overcome, and confirms the desire to progress and surpass oneself. The judoka affirms his character and his self-confidence.
The blue belt represents the expertise of elders, the acquisition of a certain confidence and mastery. The transition also requires many more technical prerequisites. The judoka with the blue belt is calmer, more rigorous, and altruistic. In the past, there was a purple belt between the blue and the brown. It is sometimes still present today in some clubs in South America.
The brown belt heralds the upcoming transition to the black belt. It confirms the student’s level of readiness to face the upcoming challenge. He is aware of everything he has accomplished with the group at the dojo. The brown belt is the symbol of efficiency and confirmed experience in terms of technique, morality, and physical preparation. It reflects a level close to expertise
The Long Road Of Progression
The black belt is also the symbol of the culmination of all these years of effort and discipline. In Japan, this belt refers to mourning, the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood.
The black belt symbolizes self-awareness and one’s journey. It also is a sign of humility and rebirth. Additionally, it shows the passage from shadow to light. It embodies the experience and techniques acquired and represents the marriage between all colors. Passing to black is a symbol of exemplarity, mastery, efficiency, knowledge, and prestige. The judoka has acquired a true capacity to fight through the mastery of randori competitions. It is also of kata (the fundamental forms to be executed in front of a jury). Its a sign the judoka has acquired values of mutual aid. It also works for the prosperity of the dojo. However, the judoka must now work on improving their human qualities.
