Training resumes Wednesday 16 September 2026
Sho, Mon & Kyu grades, and the path to black belt
Grading marks each step of progress. Here's how it works at every age and stage, and why every belt is worth celebrating.
Grading happens once a term so we can mark each member's progress and celebrate how far they've come. There's no pressure: promotion is about effort and understanding, never beating other people, and every belt is a real milestone worth being proud of.
4-7 year olds
The Sho awards are British Judo’s very first grading scheme, built into our Judo Kids sessions. Across nine fun-packed awards, children develop fundamental movement skills, judo techniques, safe breakfalls and the social skills that make judo such a great start.
Each award rewards effort and progress. Once a player turns 8, they move on to the Mon grade scheme and their first coloured belts.
Ages 8-16
The Mon system is judo’s junior pathway, following on from the Sho awards. There are 18 grades, each marked by a coloured belt and / or belt tags, earned in small, achievable steps, every one a real milestone to be proud of.
Children learn through play and progress on technique, knowledge and understanding rather than contest. A structured randori element is introduced at the higher grades. With regular training, most juniors complete the syllabus between 15 and 17. From 16, members can move on to the Kyu grades; by 18 they transfer across.
Ages 16+ & adults
From 16, members work through the Kyu grades, the coloured belts that lead to black belt. Each grade has clear criteria, so you’ll always know what you’re working towards.
The path runs from 5th Kyu (yellow) up through orange, green and blue to 1st Kyu (brown), the gateway grade. From there, the Dan grades and black belt come into view.
The journey
Work through the kyu grades, one belt at a time, at your own pace.
Brown belt, the gateway grade where black belt comes into view.
Demonstrate through theory and kata, or through the competitive ladder.
Earn your black belt. For most members this is a journey of several years.
Two ways forward
Demonstrate your understanding of technique and judo's formal forms. A fully accessible route: brown belt and beyond can be achieved this way, no competition required.
Read more on British JudoEarn promotion points through the competitive ladder. A great path for those who love to test themselves at Channel Island and UK events.
Read more on British JudoWatch & learn
Judo is a contact sport, but safety is our priority. We teach controlled technique from day one and group children by size and ability to keep everyone safe.
Keep your judogi clean and worn properly. Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed short.
Membership is charged per term. You’ll also need a British Judo Association licence, which covers insurance and affiliation. See our pricing page for full details.
New members can train for four weeks before committing to a full term. It gives you time to see if judo is right for you and get a feel for the club.
Bring a water bottle and a towel. Judo is practised barefoot on the mat, so no shoes are needed. We provide all the kit you need to get started.
New junior beginners can only join in the first two weeks of a term. Adult beginners are welcome at any point in the term.