Grading
Judo's basis in oriental martial arts has established a hierarchy of a formally stratified
ranking system related to achievement and skill levels.
The Yudansha "dan" grades, Black Belts, are awarded according to the National Rules
(Grading Syllabus), adapted from the Rules of the International Judo Federation, while
the "colour" grades are given by the teachers of a Dojo.
The kyu grade syllabus has been modified to provide a different approach to learning the
various techniques for junior-aged judoka and to standardize the requirements across
Canada. The new syllabus provides for 11 junior kyu levels based upon half-belts (see below). They are meant to provide a physical, visible, acknowledgement of accomplishment and skill advancement. It is also recommended that stripes be used as incentives between the various kyus. For the half-belts the students are required to learn one half of the techniques, as per the Sensei’s choice.
