Dan (rank) highest level that might be attained, with instructor certification and judge/judgment authorization being understood as higher-level or more sophisticated. Many arts use between one and ten dan ranks: In some martial arts, black belts are worn for all "dan" grades. In others, the highest grade (10th "dan") wears a red colored belt. In Jūdo and Shotokan 6th to 8th "dan" may wear a red and white-patterned belt and 9th to 10th "dan" may wear a solid red belt. There is some variation even within styles. Generally, belts do not have markings that indicate the actual "dan" grade. Okinawan styles used
Judo were called ; and only those of 4th "dan" or higher were called "judoka". (The suffix , when added to a noun, means a person with expertise or special knowledge on that subject). A judo teacher is called . The word "sensei" comes from "sen" or "saki" (before) and "sei" (life) – i.e. one who has preceded you. In Western dojo, it is common to call an instructor of any "dan" grade "sensei". Traditionally, that title was reserved for instructors of 4th "dan" and above. Judo practitioners traditionally wear white uniforms called or . sometimes abbreviated in the west as