🥋 A Number Line With No Zero

Kyū ranks below zero, dan ranks above, and no rank at 0: why 4th kyū to 2nd dan is five promotions.

A number line with no zero

In judo, Kanō Jigorō’s kyū grades count DOWN from 6th kyū to 1st kyū; then the dan grades count UP from 1st dan. Put kyū below zero and dan above: 6th kyū = −6 … 1st kyū = −1, then 1st dan = +1. There is no rank at 0.

−6 · −5 · −4 · −3 · −2 · −1 · (no 0) · +1 · +2 · +3 …

How many promotions from 4th kyū to 2nd dan?