What is the significance of belt color in judo

Judo is modern Japanese martial art. In the course of sports single combat, no weapon, only one's own body is used. Created this type of martial art by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century, he also first introduced colored belts in judo.

The date of the foundation of judo is the day of the opening of the first school Kodokan in 1882 in the temple Eiedzi.

The essence of judo, its difference from other types of martial arts

The main difference of judo from boxing, karate and other martial arts is that the basic techniques are based not on strikes, but on throws, painful receptions, retention and strangulation. Judo does not value physical strength, but a variety of technically performed actions. In this kind of sports combat an important role is played by understanding the philosophical component of the battle:

1. The best result is achieved not by the force of impact, but by the power of thought. In combat, one must first of all think, observe the enemy, analyze his tactics.
2. So that the body and spirit are used in the best possible way, they constantly need to be trained. When practicing judo requires a clear discipline, perseverance, self-control.
3. Compassion and mutual help are beyond a hard blow.

Kano - the father of the categories of distinction in mastery in judo

The systematics of obtaining a belt in judo was introduced by Jigoro Kano. Before him there was no clear gradation. Each school even had one combat direction with different gradations, and strangers generally did not understand who was the student and who was the master.

It was Kano who first guessed to introduce a system of differences using the belt in judo.

How the belts got their colors: the legend

In order to distinguish the steps in achieving and improving in judo, use belts of different colors.

How the color was determined for each belt - this is not known reliably. However, there are supposedly sources that show that the founder of judo Kano believed that if the judoist reached the highest level, then this person is higher, then he returns to the white color, outlining the range of his life.

But there are other theories about what this or that belt color means and where it originates from. The most beautiful is the theory of a beginner who first put on a white belt and began to do both physically and spiritually. He was so busy that his belt became yellow with sweat. And the level of skill has greatly increased.

Then the sportsman began to study in nature, and the belt from friction with greenery and nature became green. The level of his skill has risen one more step.

Then the athlete went to sparring with partners. During serious battles, drops of blood entered the belt, and it turns red (or brown).

Over the years, the belt grew dark until it turned black, and the level of mastery reached extreme points of perfection.

Through years of exhausting training, the athlete came to wisdom. He realized that the main thing is not spiritual strength, but spirituality. The belt turned white again. This meant that the judoist reached the finish phase and revived spiritually. He passed a full circle of development, and the master, having passed to a new level of perfection, again became a beginner.

Belt for a judoka - as a weapon for a samurai

For judoist, "obi" (belt) is not just an outfit for a kimono (a suit for practicing), but something much more. Athletes regard him very carefully and respectfully, as a great value, even as a member of the family. The belt is kept separately from other things in an honorable place. And losing a belt means disgracing yourself for life. It's the same as losing a weapon for a samurai.

A sign of the difference in craftsmanship in judo is the color of the belt

The color of the belt indicates the degree of readiness of its owner, the level of preparation. All newcomers are given a white belt, since the Japanese believe that white is a phenomenon of something pure and holy. The newcomer wears a white belt until he passes the exams for the right to wear the belt higher.

For example, in order to get a yellow belt in judo, you need to be able to:

• Perform the technique of throws: a side cut on the exposed leg, the knee to the left leg, do the cutting in front on the exposed leg, snaps, throws around the hips, a hook from the inside of the shin;
• Perform the correct technique of fetching movements: holding from the side, holding with the grip of the shoulder with your head, keeping it across, on the side of the head and on the horse;
• Correctly perform the technique of throws: the back footstep, work off the release from the hooks and the rear footsteps, counter-measures from the hooks from the inside to the shins, throws with the gripping of the sleeves and the gate.

Getting the next belt in judo involves learning new skills and techniques of combat.

Owners of black belts are often considered the strongest in judo, but this is not always true. Of course, the black belt in judo is given only to those followers who have reached a high level in the technique of judo, shows self-control and is ready for constant improvement. However, the masters believe that the fact that this belt gives judoists the opportunity to study judo in more depth and detail is more important than technique and strength.

It is not allowed to wear a belt of inappropriate grade. This means expressing disrespect for other judokas and for the traditions of judo.

How to tie a judo belt correctly

Correct tie the belt is very important. It is believed that this way you will focus the maximum amount of energy, which is very important for a successful fight.

How to tie a belt correctly? There are two ways. The athlete himself chooses how to tie a judo belt. The only condition for any of the methods is that the nodule is flat, and its ends are the same length, about twenty centimeters. This symbolizes the strength of the judoka and reflects its harmony.

Judo Belt Categories

Now let's talk about the differences of belts in judo. For the standard we will adopt the Kodokan school in Japan. According to her teaching, according to the grade, students' belts (KU) and workshops (DAS) are distinguished.

CY consists of 6 categories. The lowest sixth (6КЮ) - the first educational level, and the highest first category (1КЮ) - the last, sixth, educational.

DAN consists of 10 steps. The lowest is 1 DAN, and the highest is 10 DAN.

Student belts of judo in order:

• 6-4 CY - white,
• 3-1 CY - brown.

Belt workshops consist of:

• 1-5 DAN - black;
• 6-8 DAN - red-white;
• 9-10 DAN - red belt.

For judo dancers, it is acceptable to wear a black belt during training.

Regional differences

The systematics of division by belts is often different in one kind of combat in different countries. Judo Australian, as well as European and Canadian, have in their arsenal ten, not five colors.

Judo belts in order depending on the rank:

• From 6 to 1 "КЮ" means white, yellow, orange, green, blue and brown belt, respectively;
• Black belt - from 1 to 5 DAN;
• Athletes from 6 to 8 DAN receive a red and white belt, those who have reached the level of 9-10 DAN, wear a red belt.