Judo Uniform

The Judo uniform consists of a tunic, pants, and a belt (sash). Both the tunic and the pants are white (*), and the belt color varies according to the wearer's rank. Although the official belt colors are black for the 1st to 5th Dan (degree), red-and-white for the 6th to 8th Dan (with a different pattern for each rank), and red for the 9th Dan and higher (8th Dan and higher in women's Judo), a black belt may also be used by those with ranks of 6th Dan or higher. Although those with ranks below the "Dan" class normally wear a white belt (in women's Judo, belt colors other than white belts have a 1-centimeter wide white line in their center), regulations stipulate a brown belt for 1st to 3rd Kyu (grade), and a purple belt for juniors ranked from 1st to 3rd Kyu. In international competitions, blue uniforms are also used.

Uniform part names

Each part of the Judo uniform has a name which often precedes a technique (waza) name. It is therefore useful to memorize these uniform part names.

Uniform part names

Wearing a Judo uniform and tying the belt

A Judo uniform belt should be tied in the following order.

  • Place the belt center at the front.
    1.Place the belt center at the front.
  • Wrap the belt around the body with the two ends crossing at the back.
    2.Wrap the belt around the body with the two ends crossing at the back.
  • Bring the two ends to the front and make the first tie.
    3.Bring the two ends to the front and make the first tie.
  • Make the second tie so that the belt ends are facing toward the sides.
    4.Make the second tie so that the belt ends are facing toward the sides.
  • Pull the knot tight so that it will not easily loosen.
    5.Pull the knot tight so that it will not easily loosen.

Folding a Judo uniform

A Judo uniform should be folded in the following sequence.

  • Place the pants on top of the tunic.
    1.Place the pants on top of the tunic.
  • Fold both sides of the tunic toward the inside to cover the pants.
    2.Fold both sides of the tunic toward the inside to cover the pants.
  • Fold in half from the center.
    3.Fold in half from the center.
  • Fold in half again.
    4.Fold in half again.
  • Tie the folded uniform with the belt to secure it.
    5.Tie the folded uniform with the belt to secure it.