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General overview of grades

This ladder is not yet attributed to a specific organisation. Federations differ in belt colours and time requirements.

German Ju-Jutsu (DJJV), created in 1969 for police and self-defense combining Judo, Karate, and Aikido, is a modern European self-defense system. The complete hierarchy spans 6th to 1st Kyu (White to Brown belt) and 10 master Dans (1st Dan Shodan to 10th Dan Hanshi), evaluating Atemi strikes, throws, joint locks, chokes, and weapons.

6th Kyu – White Belt

六級Rank #1
Typical gap since previous grade: 3 monthsestimate

5th Kyu – Yellow Belt

五級Rank #2
Typical gap since previous grade: 6 monthsestimate

4th Kyu – Orange Belt

四級Rank #3
Typical gap since previous grade: 6 monthsestimate

3rd Kyu – Green Belt

三級Rank #4
Typical gap since previous grade: 9 monthsestimate

2nd Kyu – Blue Belt

二級Rank #5
Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate

1st Kyu – Brown Belt

一級Rank #6
Typical gap since previous grade: 12 monthsestimate

1st Dan – Black Belt (Shodan)

初段Rank #7
Typical gap since previous grade: 24 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Master rank 1st Dan – Black Belt (Shodan) in Ju-Jutsu tradition.

Symbolism & Meaning

Official master Dan rank hierarchy in Ju-Jutsu.

2nd Dan – Black Belt (Nidan)

二段Rank #8
Typical gap since previous grade: 48 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Master rank 2nd Dan – Black Belt (Nidan) in Ju-Jutsu tradition.

Symbolism & Meaning

Official master Dan rank hierarchy in Ju-Jutsu.

3rd Dan – Black Belt (Sandan)

三段Rank #9
Typical gap since previous grade: 72 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Master rank 3rd Dan – Black Belt (Sandan) in Ju-Jutsu tradition.

Symbolism & Meaning

Official master Dan rank hierarchy in Ju-Jutsu.

4th Dan – Black Belt (Yondan)

四段Rank #10
Typical gap since previous grade: 96 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Master rank 4th Dan – Black Belt (Yondan) in Ju-Jutsu tradition.

Symbolism & Meaning

Official master Dan rank hierarchy in Ju-Jutsu.

5th Dan – Black Belt (Godan)

五段Rank #11
Typical gap since previous grade: 120 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Master rank 5th Dan – Black Belt (Godan) in Ju-Jutsu tradition.

Symbolism & Meaning

Official master Dan rank hierarchy in Ju-Jutsu.

6th Dan – Red-White Belt (Rokudan)

六段Rank #12
Typical gap since previous grade: 144 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Master rank 6th Dan – Red-White Belt (Rokudan) in Ju-Jutsu tradition.

Symbolism & Meaning

Official master Dan rank hierarchy in Ju-Jutsu.

7th Dan – Red-White Belt (Nanadan)

七段Rank #13
Typical gap since previous grade: 168 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Master rank 7th Dan – Red-White Belt (Nanadan) in Ju-Jutsu tradition.

Symbolism & Meaning

Official master Dan rank hierarchy in Ju-Jutsu.

8th Dan – Red-White Belt (Hachidan)

八段Rank #14
Typical gap since previous grade: 192 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Master rank 8th Dan – Red-White Belt (Hachidan) in Ju-Jutsu tradition.

Symbolism & Meaning

Official master Dan rank hierarchy in Ju-Jutsu.

9th Dan – Red Belt (Kudan)

九段Rank #15
Typical gap since previous grade: 216 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Master rank 9th Dan – Red Belt (Kudan) in Ju-Jutsu tradition.

Symbolism & Meaning

Official master Dan rank hierarchy in Ju-Jutsu.

10th Dan – Red Belt (Judan)

十段Rank #16
Typical gap since previous grade: 240 monthsestimate
Requirements & Focus

Master rank 10th Dan – Red Belt (Judan) in Ju-Jutsu tradition.

Symbolism & Meaning

Official master Dan rank hierarchy in Ju-Jutsu.