Four Belts

Martial Art Belt System

 

The belt ranking system used in the United States did not originate here. It originated in Japan and and was thought to have come from the judo schools. There were believed to be only two belt colors at that time, a white belt and a black belt. The white belt was given to the new student for their beginning entry into the respective karate class. The black belt is only given to those who show a high level of skill and have been studying for several years. Apparently in Japan the two color belt system was all that was used to denote rank for many years. Only in later times was the belt ranking system changed to add more color belts. However, even today there are some schools in Japan that still only use the two belt system.

The belt itself is typically made of a cotton outer layer with an interior batting of polyester and stitching to give the belt its form. Aside from using the traditional cotton lining of the belt, an outer layer can also be made of a polyester fabric. Another type of belt used in the martial arts, albeit confined to the Chinese style only, is the sash which is also worn around the waist and comes in the same variety of colors. It is a soft pliable satin or rayon material similar to a neck scarf.

The colors of the sash or belt are generally white, yellow, orange, purple, blue, green, red, brown and black. Usually they go in that sequence. Within the colors listed the middle belt rankings may vary which one that a particular style uses. So instead of a purple being after yellow they may switch it to blue. The two ends beginning and ending white and black are never varied. Each martial art system has its own level of expertise assigned to each color. So that, in general, no two styles use the same color for denoting the level of proficiency of the respective student.

The other part of the Martial Art Belt System is the monetary one. Not only do the color belts display levels of proficiency but there is also a monetary value associated with them. Usually for the lower belts or lighter colors the testing fees are smaller than when you approach the more advanced belts or darker colors. Basically for every belt you test for there is a fee involved for the procedure. For the lower belts the fees are usually less and the higher in ranking you test for the fees generally increase. There are certain forms and techniques need for each belt level. So when a student has reached the maximum skill for the particular belt level they are given a test, which is a series of moves if done alone without another combatant is called kata. If the moves are against an opponent it is called kumite or sparring. How they perform in this phase determines whether they are judged to be competent to proceed to the next belt level. As mentioned earlier, the fee for the test usually increases when you reach the advance levels. The levels of advancement are usually above green or blue belt color. The actual fees help the karate school with its overhead and paying for the instructors time and materials for the actual test.

It is generally true that the longer time spent In the study of martial arts, the higher up in belt ranking, which is the color of the belt you were. It is the traditional method of showing the effort made in the study of the particular martial art, with the accomplishment of being awarded the black belt as the ultimate honor. It is similar to being given a medal in other sporting events as proof of the success of their accomplishment. It will always hold as the epitome of the martial arts

About the Author

  Randy Margeson has been in the field of martial arts for over three decades.  He currently owns and operates a successful karate gear store. Throughout his time in the martial art industry he has recognized the value the martial art belt and the prestige it has held in the karate community.

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