Martial Art Belt Ranks – Where Did They Come From And What Do They Mean?

Martial Art Belt Ranks

Where did they come from and what do they mean?

There are various theories in which the concept of utilizing straps originated from and why day martial art colleges utilize belts and sashes as a system. We will discuss two philosophies, one that is broadly accepted by professionals and another that can be considered as a legend, or story that has been passed by your own grandfather. Please remember that the belt system has only existed about 120 decades. During this report, remember that not all Martial Arts are exactly the same, your school may have a system that was different discussed here.

Among the most typical arguments stems from the founder of modern day Judo, Dr. Jigoro Kano. A teacher and sports enthusiast, Dr. Kano employed a black belt to symbolize his dan (highest-ranking) pupils in his school, the Kodokan. But he later understood that his kyu (lower ranking) pupils needed an external real estate object to admit their achievements and encourage their efforts. He implemented the various colours to signify the progress his kyu made over time.

Eventually, other Japanese martial art styles such as Karate, Aikido, Kendo, etc. integrated the Judo belt ranking system when Gichin Funakoshi, an Okinawan karate master and considered to be the Father of Modern Karate attested his martial art design, Shotokan, in the Kodokan.

The other concept, called the belt can be thought to be a martial arts folklore. They were given the position of white belt, representing a birth or start when students started their training. Students weren’t permitted to wash their belts, and so the belt could get filthy the more they practiced. In the time the belt could be black, representing normally and the amount of time the pupil spent practicing their level of ability.

As a student at a martial art, you will probably be given a buckle at the start of your practice and will progress through a system in your way. Contrary to popular belief, the black belt doesn’t signify the conclusion of your practice, but rather the start. Once you earn your black belt you’re now a dan.

Dan have their own rank system called degrees. You are a first degree black belt when you first attain it, over time you can test for your 2nd degree black belt (or even 2nd dan) and so on. Martial arts consider a 10th degree black belt are the maximum level of mastery.

If you’re stuck on a specific belt for a long period of time When you train in a martial art, do not get discouraged. It takes several years to progress through the belts and this is really one of those lessons that by participating in Martial Arts, you will be taught. Progressing through the belts takes a wonderful deal of self-discipline, dedication, self-confidence and patience and time. The skills you learn on your martial arts training can help you succeed in most places where you never thought Martial Arts would provide help and will apply to virtually every element of your own daily life.