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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2009
 

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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 "color" grades are given by the teachers, i.e. the technical director of a Dojo. This task requires a certain ability to judge and evaluate, to be performed properly.

Women generally wear the same color belts as men, with a white stripe on the length of the belt. This distinction was initiated by the Kodokan so that women would be differentiated from men competitors. But with the increasing number of women actively involved in national and international competition, the tradition of the white-striped belt seems to be vanishing.

The time requirements between promotions to different color belts is variable and is based on the following criteria:

• physical fitness level
• age
• regular attendance at classes
• frequency of classes per week
• student-teacher ratio
• facilities and equipment
• the natural disposition of the student