Are ranks in judo necessary?
Since there is an official rank system used in judo it is wise to follow the system if you want to learn judo. It is required if you want to achieve a higher rank like black belt. Ranks help many students set reasonable short term and long term performance goals. Other students are encouraged by recognition of improvements and hard work so they stick with it longer. But even if you don’t see how it could help you, recognize that it helps others. [14] Safety is another reason. Lower ranks have little experience and need to be taken great care of. [15] Many tournaments and classes have special rules about using arm locks or other more dangerous techniques for certain levels of students. Organizing a class, clinic, or camp is easier with some visible sign of experience levels (e.g. certain groups can learn lessons at their level while other groups learn a different lesson). Guest instructors or visiting students don’t have to guess about experience levels. New students can immediately tel
