Under the leadership of Jean-Luc Rougé, 10th dan, an in-depth and long-term reflection was carried out, resulting in a universal proposal for the reorganisation of judo grades. This work was firmly grounded in the fundamental values of judo, ensuring that the new system remains faithful to the spirit and philosophy of the discipline.
As part of this reformation, IJF grades will become the only internationally recognised grades. The list of approved judoka and their respective grades will be communicated formally to ministries of sport and the National Olympic Committees of the relevant federations. From 2026 onwards, all dan grades awarded by national federations must be validated by the IJF. Federations will be given a one-year transition period to implement the IJF grading system.
The grading programme begins at the very start of judo practice, with the white belt. The programme for coloured belts (kyu) is conceived as general guidelines rather than a compulsory syllabus for judo teachers. It provides a pedagogical framework designed to support learning and motivation, while respecting the autonomy of instructors. This kyu programme is also offered through the IJF Judo Academy.
For dan grades (black belts), however, federations will be required to follow the IJF programme, which defines minimum knowledge and competencies that judoka must demonstrate. Importantly, judo is understood here as far more than a sport or a physical activity. Black belt holders are therefore expected to possess not only technical proficiency, but also a solid understanding of judo culture, history and educational values, as outlined in the specific requirements for each dan level.
This reform is accompanied by a financial strategy designed to support the development of national federations and continental unions, ensuring that the grading system also contributes to the sustainable growth of judo worldwide.
To fully appreciate the meaning of grades in judo, it is essential to recall the principles laid down by Jigoro Kano Shihan, the founder of judo. In judo, grades are far more than a sporting rank. They do not measure personal worth but rather the path travelled by the practitioner. A grade does not define who you are; it indicates where you stand in your learning at a given moment. It is therefore neither definitive nor linear.
While grades naturally reflect progress in technical knowledge, they also symbolise the individual’s advancement towards a broader objective, “The improvement of society through the education of individuals.” A risk arises when a grade becomes an end in itself, whereas it should remain a temporary marker on a lifelong path (the dō).
Within this continuous progression, coloured belts play an essential role in structuring learning. They are not intended to establish a hierarchy of people. Instead, they provide achievable goals, maintain motivation and organise both technical and behavioural development. In this sense, a coloured belt reflects what still needs to be worked on, rather than what has already been mastered.
When a judoka reaches first dan, it should not be viewed as an achievement in itself but rather as an authorisation to learn more deeply. It signifies mastery of the fundamentals and the beginning of serious study. It is not proof of excellence, a guarantee of wisdom, nor the end of the journey.
At higher dan levels, the emphasis shifts increasingly from performance to transmission. As dan grades progress, physical performance becomes secondary, while understanding, teaching and ethical responsibility take precedence. A high-ranking judoka is not expected to be the strongest or the fastest but a reference point, a guide and a guardian of the spirit of judo. The higher the grade, the greater the moral responsibility it should entail.
Judo teaches humility, self-questioning and adaptability. Grades are not meant to freeze roles, inhibit exchange or feed the ego. On the contrary, they should support open learning and mutual respect.
A simple philosophical reading of the grading system may be summarised as follows:
- Coloured belts: learning to do
- Black belt: learning to understand
- Advanced Dan: learning to transmit
- A lifetime: learning to unlearn
In conclusion, the IJF grading system is a tool, not a hierarchy of value. Its purpose is to accompany the judoka’s inner development. It is neither a social label nor an identity marker, but a framework designed to preserve the essence of judo while ensuring coherence, equity and meaning at a global level.
All information are available in the document section, under GRADES: CLICK HERE