Wearing Your Rank: The Importance of Martial Arts Belts
There are many students who turn up to martial arts classes without their belt, so our blog this week is inspired by them as we look at the importance and reasons for wearing a belt in martial arts classes.
There are literally tens of thousands of students from around the world studying a multitude of different martial arts, many from early childhood through late adulthood. What unites them regardless of style is a system on coloured belts, originating from the style of Judo. Practicing a martial art of any style will demonstrate progress, perseverance, determination, resilience and grit. Any martial artist regardless of age will be required to show both physical and psychological commitment to their chosen art both in class and at gradings. The level of achievement from the latter is usually referred to as your rank and is identified by a coloured belt.
In most styles of martial arts practice, but not all, you begin your journey wearing a white belt. Reaching the coveted rank of black belt is a significant milestone that takes years of dedicated practice and for many this is the pinnacle of their journey, the point that they wanted to reach and as such will leave martial arts, often for good. In truth achieving a black belt is a huge milestone but it only marks the halfway point in terms of your belt journey.
History of the Belt Ranking System
There are many stories surrounding the history of belts in martial arts and one of my favourite ones is the story that the belt ranking system came from an ancient tradition of martial arts students that were told to never wash their belts. According to this myth, beginning students were given white belts to signify the newness of their practice. As they studied, practiced and developed their skills over time, their belts would become soiled and stained with sweat, dirt and blood. Once their belts yellowed, darkened and finally became black, the students were said to be masters. In truth the belting system was introduced a little over 100 years ago. This modern development was designed to visually identify a practitioner’s progress and skill level. The system’s origins can be traced back to the late 19th century with Dr. Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo. In the early days there were just 2 colours of belt, white and then black.
In the early 1930’s Judo was introduced in France and with this expansion of the art of Judo by Mikinosuke Kawaishi came the expansion of different coloured belts. Kawaishi noticed that Western students preferred more immediate recognition of their progress with each belt colour carrying a symbolic meaning, representing different stages of growth and development.
What the Belt Colours Mean
There aren’t any universal standards governing how martial arts belt colours are defined and a quick internet search will confirm this with some styles having a red belt placed at the bottom lower levels, some have to same colour place as an intermediate level and other styles see red as a symbol of danger and thus place it at the level of 10th dan the highest achievement. Each form of martial arts has its own traditions, rules and explanations, and there can be many variations even within the same style and system as each association wants to put their individual stamp on their system. However, regardless of how the rainbow in between them is coloured, it is widely accepted that your first belt is white, and your belt signifying mastery is black.
While the many different belt colours can vary across disciplines and styles, they all signify various stages of growth and development. A common line moving forward and demonstrating advancement and achievement by colour, what ever that colour may be.
Martial arts schools and associations have differing belting systems with some schools awarding just a solid coloured belt and in others belts can also include stripes. Stripes are sometimes used to show “in-between” phases of training. For example, a white belt with a yellow stripe could mean that the student has been progressed beyond a standard white belt but is not quite ready for a full belt. The stripes help to motivate younger students and reward effort and dedication. Many martial arts schools will offer a combination of both solid and stripe belts within their system.
Why Your Belt Colour Matters
As you move through your belting system and advance in rank you replace a lower-ranking belt with a new colour, your school may recognise your achievement with a belt graduation after the grading test. Whether or not this formality occurs, becoming eligible to wear a belt of a higher-ranking colour indicates a rite of passage of which you have achieved and can be proud of.
Your belt colour determines which types of training you are eligible for. For example, lower grade belts learn less complicated kata, drills or forms and as you progress these become more complex and take longer to master. Once these have been mastered then you are ready once again to advance along your journey. Earning a new belt means that you have demonstrated competence at increasingly more difficult levels of skill. It also means that you are setting an example of leadership for students who have not yet reached your level of accomplishment.
Wearing your martial arts belt is important for several reasons:
Everything we have discussed above help to identify the reasons behind the belts you wear in class and below is a short list of why it is important not just to earn your belt but also wear your belt.
Symbol of Progress: As already mentioned the belt represents your rank and progress in your martial arts journey. Each colour signifies a different level of skill and knowledge, showing how far you’ve come.
Motivation and Goals: Belts serve as milestones that motivate students to continue their training and strive for the next level. Achieving a new belt is both a visible and tangible reward for hard work, dedication and perseverance.
Respect and Tradition: Wearing your belt shows respect for the traditions and values of not just your martial art, but all martial arts. It fosters a sense of belonging, humility, discipline, and honour.
Identification: Belts help instructors and fellow students quickly identify your rank, which can be crucial during training sessions, especially when working toward your next level. It ensures that you are taught techniques appropriate for your level.
Community and Belonging: Wearing your belt will connect you to a community, within your own school and beyond. It binds you to other of martial artists and martial arts styles who share similar goals and values, and this creates a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Overall, the belt is more than just a piece of cloth; it’s a symbol of your own individual journey, achievements, and commitment to martial arts. Wear your belt in class, in every class, be proud, you have earned it 🥋
Below are the coloured belts of Cojalina Martail Arts
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