Red belt (martial arts)

A red belt is one of several colored belts used in some martial arts to either denote rank or differentiate opponents in a competition. Like the more commonly known black belt, its use varies between arts, with most using it for the style founder, grandmaster or other high rank, while others use it as the immediately pre–black belt rank or even to denote a beginner who holds no rank. In some schools, especially those with lineage related to Kodokan judo, a red belt signifies ninth or tenth degree dan rank, the highest ranks attainable.