Judo Belts - Australian Judo Grading System
Judo Belt Grades Australia
| Grade | Japanese | Belt Colour |
| 6th kyu | rokkyu | white |
| 5th kyu | gokyu | yellow |
| 4th kyu | yonkyu | orange |
| 3rd kyu | sankyu | green |
| 2nd kyu | nikyu | blue |
| 1st kyu | ikkyu | brown |
| 1st dan | shodan | black |
| 2nd dan | nidan | black |
| 3rd dan | sandan | black |
| 4th dan | yodan (yondan) | black |
| 5th dan | godan | black |
| 6th dan | rokudan | red & white (or black) |
| 7th dan | shichidan | red & white (or black) |
| 8th dan | hachidan | red & white (or black) |
| 9th dan | kyudan | red (or black) |
| 10th dan | judan | red (or black) |
The above color Belt grading system is that which is used by the Judo Federation of Australia.
There a several different color schemes that are used throughout the world but they Kyu grades themselves are always considered to be the same regardless of the color belt.
The Dan grades seem to be universal in their color schemes. I guess it's hard to be too creative with black and the red and red and white combination also tend not to very. Probably because these higher grades are comparatively few in number and smaller number tends to lead to greater agreement.
It should be noted that higher Dan grades are always entitled wear just plain black if they should so desire or the red or red and white if they wish.
There was an 11th and 12th Dan however as I understand it They have all been retired now out of respect for the fame of the Judoka who were awarded them.
The 12th Dan was awarded to Professor Kano himself by his students. It was a white belt that was slightly wider (or so I'm told) than the white belts of beginners. The white belt was immediately retired so as no one else could gain it and was to symbolize the completing of the circle of experience by the receiver. From student to master.
Sensei
Richard
