Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is a superb martial fighting technique that has recently garnered significant popularity in the United States and worldwide. It is one of the oldest martial arts dating back to the time of the Samurai. They used it to overcome their opponents using striking and grappling methods. Great! So, you’re probably wondering: Does Japanese jiu-jitsu have belts?
Yes, it does. The Japanese jiu-jitsu belt ranking system indicates the level of experience a practitioner has earned in the art.
Jujutsu belt ranks go from the beginner levels of red and white belts. Then, intermediate levels of yellow, orange, green, and blue belts. And, then, advanced rankings of purple and brown belts.
In the sections below, you will learn amazing things about Japanese jiu-jitsu belts. Stay tuned!
What Is Japanese Jiu-Jitsu?
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu (also known as jujutsu or jujitsu) is one of the oldest forms of martial arts. The story tells that Jujutsu was created more than 4,000 years ago by Buddhist monks from northern India.
Historically, this tough martial art was employed by the Samurai to defend themselves. Jujutsu is primarily known for its joint manipulation, throws, and weapons fighting.
Otherwise, Jujutsu encompasses a wide range of combat sports that is rising in popularity as a result of the many competitions that are conducted all over the world. Besides, It is primarily known for its joint manipulation and throws, unlike other fighting schools.
Related: Which Is Better Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Japanese Jiu-Jitsu?
Does Japanese Jiu-Jitsu Have Belts?
Jujitsu, like Brazilian jiu-jitsu, uses many belt colors as a ranking system of its practitioners. These belts are earned based on the training progression of a student. Each colored belt indicates the student’s ability level.
What follows is a deep description of the belt ranking system in Japanese jiu-jitsu.
Red Belt
The red belt is the first belt granted to jujutsu practitioners in certain dojos. It is usually possible to acquire it within a few weeks or months after beginning training in this martial art. As a result, before taking their first grading, beginners in Japanese jiu-jitsu will wear a red belt.
In this rank, you’re getting familiar with jujutsu martial art, including the intensity of training, movements, techniques, etc.
White Belt
The white belt is the second jujutsu rank earned after the red belt. It refers to the 7th kyu rank (7級 / 七級) in the Japanese jiu-jitsu ranking system.
A jujutsu white belt practitioner focuses on learning basic Japanese jiu-jitsu stance and coordination.
Yellow Belt
The yellow belt is the third jujutsu rank after the white belt. It refers to the 6th kyu rank (6級 / 六級) in the Japanese jiu-jitsu ranking system.
At the yellow belt rank, a jujutsu practitioner learns various techniques and moves, including blocks, locks, and throws.
Orange Belt
The orange belt is the 4th Japanese jiu-jitsu rank after the yellow belt. It refers to the 5th kyu rank (5級 / 五級) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.
At the orange belt rank, a jujutsu student understands and masters more technical moves.
Green Belt
The green belt is the 5th jujutsu rank that comes after the orange belt. It refers to the 4th kyu rank (4級 / 四級) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.
At the green belt rank, a Japanese ju-jitsu practitioner moves to application. Using his past learning, He begins creating an effective game with effective blocks, throws and finishes techniques.
Blue belt
The blue belt is the 6th jujutsu rank that comes after the green belt. It refers to the 3rd kyu rank (3級 / 三級) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.
At the blue belt level, a Japanese jiu-jitsu student understands the numerous techniques learned in the past. As a result, he can execute the techniques (blocks, throws, etc.) correctly.
Furthermore, blue belt trainees have a greater comprehension of technique setups and can change methods as needed.
Purple Belt
The purple belt is the 7th jujutsu rank that comes after the blue belt. It refers to the 2nd kyu rank (2級 / 二級) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.
A Japanese jiu-jitsu student with a purple belt rating has achieved high precision. Consequently, he can execute the various techniques (blocks, kicks, advanced throws, etc.) with crispness, cleanliness, and accuracy.
Brown Belt
The brown belt is the 8th jujutsu rank that comes after the purple belt. It refers to the 1st kyu rank (1級 / 一級) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.
A Japanese jiu-jitsu student has achieved effectiveness at the brown belt rank. Consequently, he knows all tactics and can execute them correctly, displaying the capacity to apply the techniques successfully in a street self-defense scenario.
Black Belt (1st Dan)
The 1st dan black belt is the next belt rank after the brown belt. It refers to the shodan rank (初段) in the Japanese jujutsu ranking system.
Achieving the 1st dan black belt requires years of dedication to the Japanese jujutsu martial art. Yet, it is the lowest black belt degree since this rank contains ten degrees.
Related: How Many Degrees of Black Belt Are There in Jiu Jitsu?
Final Thoughts
Japanese jiu-jitsu is one of the best martial arts to master for self-defense and street fighting. It is one of the oldest martial arts, going back to the period of the Samurai, and has lately gained popularity across the globe.
Japanese jiu-jitsu has a belt ranking system that illustrates the amount of experience of jujutsu practitioners. In sequence, below are the Japanese jiu-jitsu belts:
- Red belt (some dojos).
- White belt.
- Yellow belt.
- Orange belt.
- Green belt.
- Blue belt.
- Purple belt.
- Brown belt.
- Black belt
We hope this information has helped you comprehend the Japanese jujutsu belt grading system. Thanks!
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