Belt Requirements
See what you need for each belt level. Techniques that have a page link to details and video.
White Belt
Focus: Safety, falling, posture, and fundamental throws
Ukemi (Required)
- Ushiro ukemi
- Yoko ukemi
- Mae ukemi
- Zenpo kaiten
Throws (Nage-waza)
Koshi-waza
Osaekomi-waza - Pins
Knowledge Requirements
- Kuzushi, tsukuri, kake
- Basic gripping rules
- Dojo etiquette and safety
Yellow Belt
Focus: Expanded throwing base and pin control
Throws (Nage-waza)
Koshi-waza
Ashi-waza
Osaekomi-waza - Pins
Transitions
- Immediate throw-to-pin connections
- Basic turtle turnovers
Knowledge Requirements
- Shido and scoring basics
- Proper gripping posture
Orange Belt
Focus: Directional kuzushi and combinations
Throws (Nage-waza)
Koshi-waza
Osaekomi-waza - Pins
- Kuzure-Kesa-Gatame - Broken Scarf Hold
- Kuzure-yoko-shiho-gatame
Shime-waza - Chokes
Kansetsu-waza - Joint Locks
Knowledge Requirements
- Renraku-waza (two-attack combinations)
- Match restart positions
Green Belt
Focus: Counters, grip fighting, and live application
Throws (Nage-waza)
Yoko-sutemi-waza
Other
- Ouchi-gari → Kouchi-gari
Shime-waza - Chokes
Kansetsu-waza - Joint Locks
Counters (Kaeshi-waza)
Knowledge Requirements
- Grip fighting sequences
- Competition legality and safety rules
Blue Belt
Focus: Tactical depth and personal style
Throws (Nage-waza)
Ma-sutemi-waza
Other
- Seoi-nage variations
Shime-waza - Chokes
Kansetsu-waza - Joint Locks
- Ude-Hishigi-Sankaku-Gatame - Arm Crushing Triangle Hold
- Juji-gatame transitions
Combinations
- Opposite-direction attack chains
- Grip break → immediate entry
Knowledge Requirements
- Match strategy and pacing
- Opponent-specific gripping
Brown Belt
Focus: Mastery, consistency, and readiness for shodan
Throws (Nage-waza)
Ma-sutemi-waza
Other
- Tokui-waza system (primary throws)
- Advanced Uchi-mata or Seoi-nage systems
Counters (Kaeshi-waza)
- Multiple kaeshi-waza responses
- Counter-to-combination sequences
Ne-waza Systems
- Pin → submission chains
- Turtle breakdown systems
Knowledge Requirements
- Coaching fundamentals
- Advanced rules interpretation
- Shiai readiness
Shodan
1st dan (初段)
Focus: Black belt: consolidating the kyu syllabus and beginning to teach and mentor others
Knowledge Requirements
- Full kyu technique repertoire applied in randori and shiai
- Assisting with junior classes and beginners
- Refined judo etiquette and dojo culture
- Continued competition or advanced randori as appropriate to age and goals
Nidan
2nd dan (二段)
Focus: Deepening technical authority, coaching, and officiating foundations
Knowledge Requirements
- Reliable demonstration and correction of core techniques
- Mentoring kyu-grade students and newer black belts
- Basic refereeing and tournament rules knowledge
- Sustained training and technical growth beyond shodan
Sandan
3rd dan (三段)
Focus: Advanced instruction, technical leadership, and contribution to the club or federation
Knowledge Requirements
- Leading classes or specialized sessions under head instructor guidance
- Strong grasp of contest and training safety for all levels
- Kata study and demonstration where required by your organization
- Long-term commitment to judo values and community building