Coloured belts (obi’s) and the grading process are an integral part of a judoka’s training.

• A grading is not a test to be passed or failed it is a stepping stone along the way to greater knowledge.
• A Black Belt is no greater achievement than any other coloured belt, it simply indicates that a judoka has gained an understanding of basic judo technique and realises that there is so much more of judo to discover and share.

The Blackwater Obi (Your belt) by Sandra Walker (2008) 

Lorraine’s Essay on Grading at Blackwater JC 2008 by Lorraine Hewes (2009)

Alex’s essay on AEJF and Foundation  Gradings (as it was in 2011) by Alex Mashadi (2011)

Information on the 2012 Foundation Class –  by Sam Harrington (2012)

HOW THE FOUNDATION GROUP ARE GRADED by Sam Harrington ( 2013)

Barney’s Brief History of Judo Belts by Barney Britton (2013)

 A Grading Story by Geoff Skewes (2013)