Grading support
Typically at Duffryn Judo club, we look to grade students twice a year, this could be more or could be less depending on the circumstances. Many factors are taken into account for a grading, not just a students performance on any given "grading day".
There are multiple grading systems in place that have been adapted over many years.
New beginners (novices) will wear a white belt.
Dragons
Ages 5 - 7
Mon Grades
Ages 8 - 16
(typically)
Kyu Grades
Ages 16+
(typically)
In depth details can be found at the BJA website here: https://www.britishjudo.org.uk/my-judo/grading/grading-resources/
General overview of each type of grade
Dragons
The dragons syllabus is designed as an introduction to Judo. It is heavily aimed towards building good physical habits and developing correct Judo etiquette. Learning through fun is a big driver for dragons. There are some competitions available for this category but the emphasis is truly to introduce them into a new world of Judo, getting to know new people and the concept of fighting for something.
At DJC, we award a purple belt upon achieving 1st Dragon and add bars (usually red tape) to indicate the number of bars. There are five bars to achieve as a dragon.
Mon grades
The mon grade syllabus is more commonly known. The order of belts is as follows: red, yellow, orange, green, blue and brown. Each belt has three bars which serve as "steps" to the next grade. So whilst a junior may not achieve a new belt in any one grading, they may earn bars that help them progress to the next grade. This prevents a pass / failure outcome. Students aged older than 8 will be a mon grade.
For example, 1st mon would be red belt +1 bar, 2nd mon would be red belt +2 bars etc.
Kyu grades
The kyu grade syllabus is practically the same as the mon grade syllabus but without the bars. It is simply pass or fail. So whilst a junior may not achieve a new belt in any one grading, they may earn bars that help them progress to the next grade. Juniors in certain circumstances can choose to switch from the mon to kyu grade syllabus from the age of 14. But must be concerto kyu by 16.
For example, 6th Kyu is red belt, 5th Kyu is yellow etc.
