Alright, let’s talk about this judo rank thing, you know, like what they got over there at the New York Times.
So, judo, it’s like wrestlin’, but with more rules and fancy pajamas. And they got these belts, all different colors, like a rainbow tied around your belly. It ain’t just for show, mind you. Them belts, they tell ya how good someone is, how long they been flippin’ folks.
The Beginner Belts – Learning the Ropes
They start you off with a white belt. That’s like sayin’ “I don’t know nothin’ ‘bout nothin’”. Then you work your way up. Yellow, orange, green, blue… It’s like learnin’ your ABCs, but with more sweat and maybe a few sore muscles. This learnin’ part, they call it Kyu grades. Think of it like this: the smaller the Kyu number, the closer you are to gettin’ that fancy black belt.
- White belt (Rokyu) – You’re a newbie, fresh off the street.
- Yellow belt (Gokyu) – You know a little somethin’ now, maybe you can throw somebody without fallin’ on your own face.
- Orange belt (Yonkyu) – You’re gettin’ the hang of it. You can probably tie your belt without help now too.
- Green belt (Sankyu) – You’re startin’ to look like you know what you’re doin’. Still got a ways to go though.
- Blue belt (Nikyu) – Almost there! You can probably teach the white belts a thing or two.
- Brown belt (Ikkyu) – You’re practically a black belt, just gotta polish up a few things.
Now, how fast you get these belts? Well, that depends. If you’re good, real good, and you practice all the time, you’ll move up quick. Maybe you even skip a color or two. But if you’re just showin’ up now and then, it’ll take ya longer. It’s like plantin’ corn; you gotta water it and take care of it if you want it to grow.
The Black Belts – The Real Deal
Then comes the black belts, the Dan grades. These folks, they know their stuff. They ain’t just flippin’ people; they’re teachin’ others how to flip people. And the higher the Dan number, the more you know, the more respect you get. Think of it like this: the bigger the Dan number, the bigger the boss.
Getting a black belt, that ain’t the end of the road, no sirree. It’s just the beginnin’ of a whole new journey. You gotta keep learnin’, keep practicin’, keep gettin’ better. And there’s all sorts of rules and requirements for movin’ up in the black belt ranks. It ain’t just about how good you are at throwin’ folks; it’s about how much you give back to the sport, how much you help others learn.
Why Judo Ranks Matter
Now, you might be thinkin’, “Why all the fuss about these belts? It’s just a piece of cloth.” Well, it ain’t just about the cloth, it’s about what it represents. It’s about the hard work, the dedication, the sweat and tears you put in to gettin’ better. It’s about respect, for yourself and for others. And it’s about showin’ the world, “Hey, I know what I’m doin’!” And see, places like the New York Times, they might write about this stuff, ’cause it’s important to people. They like to know who’s who in the judo world.
And judo organizations in the United States, they gotta keep track of all this, you know? They gotta make sure everyone’s followin’ the rules, makin’ sure the right folks are gettin’ promoted. It’s a big job, keepin’ track of all them belts and ranks. They gotta be competitive, gotta be the best, so they make sure their promotion systems are up to snuff. They update ‘em, change ‘em, make sure everyone knows what’s what. It’s serious business, this judo rankin’.
Keepin’ Judo Strong
So, whether you’re a beginner just startin’ out or a seasoned black belt, remember this: judo ain’t just about fightin’; it’s about learnin’, growin’, and becoming a better person. And those belts, they’re just a reminder of how far you’ve come, and how far you still have to go. It’s all about keeping judo strong in the U.S., makin’ sure the next generation knows how to throw somebody properly, and respectfully. And that, my friends, is somethin’ worth fightin’ for.
And that’s about all I got to say ‘bout judo ranks. It ain’t rocket science, but it’s somethin’ worth knowin’ if you’re gonna get mixed up in that sport. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go check on my chickens.
