Jiu Jitsu Belts

In most martial arts originating from Asia, there are milestones in training represented by different belt colors, which indicate the practitioner’s skill level. For each belt rank, a specific set of techniques is practiced, and when both the practitioner and the instructor deem these sufficiently mastered, the practitioner can test to advance to the next level. It is important to note that children’s belts often differ slightly from adult belts.

Upon passing the test, the practitioner is promoted to the next belt color. In jujitsu, these colors are represented by white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and black belts. In addition to the color, each rank also has a numerical designation. Colored belts are referred to as Kyu grades for adults and Mon grades for children. For example, a white belt corresponds to 6th Kyu, while a brown belt is 1st Kyu. The black belt is divided into ten levels, called Dan grades, where 1st Dan represents the first master level and 10th Dan the highest.

Advancement is individual and depends on the practitioner’s dedication and training. After approximately one semester of practice, a practitioner may be ready to test for a yellow belt (5th Kyu), and another semester may lead to the opportunity to test for an orange belt (4th Kyu). Progress is dependent on the individual’s effort and training intensity. For the most dedicated practitioners, it may even be possible to achieve a black belt, 1st Dan, after just five years of training. Beyond that, it is possible to continue advancing within the Dan grades for the rest of one’s life.

The more one learns in jujitsu, the clearer it becomes how much there is still to learn. It is like exploring an ever-expanding source of knowledge and skills.

The belt worn should reflect the knowledge and skills one possesses in jujitsu. However, it is important not to place too much focus on the belt color; its primary purpose is to keep the uniform in place. The timing of tests to advance to the next grade is individual. During each test, the primary focus is on the practitioner’s knowledge and understanding of the principles of jujitsu.