Though the karate belt ranking system has been used in our country for many years, it was originally thought to consist only of two belts. The white belt, which is typically the first belt given to students in the beginning, and the black belt is used to show a high level of proficiency in the system of study. In Japan, the two color belts were all that was used for many decades and only later in modern times was the color belt ranking system installed. However, even today there are many traditional schools in Japan that still use the two belt system.
The actual material of the belt generally consists of a cotton outer layer with a interior batting of polyester and stitching to give the belt its form. Besides using the traditional cotton lining of the belt, the exterior can also be made of a polyester fabric. Also, it should be noted that the Chinese element of martial arts uses sashes instead of the harder, narrower belts. The sash is used for the same purpose and it also can come in many colors. It is simply a soft, pliable material similar to a neck scarf. The colors of the belt or sash are generally white, yellow, orange, purple, blue, green, brown, red, and black. There may be some variations of colors added depending on the system of study. Each martial art systems 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.
Besides using the various colors to denote the skill level, there is a monetary aspect to the various ranking systems. Often it is the case that 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. Upon passing this test they are given the next color belt rank, along with this comes a monetary element. They are charged for the test, it is called a testing fee and is implemented at almost all the martial schools. It helps pay for the overhead and the instructor’s time. Generally the higher up in rank the student the more expensive the test fees are.
The higher up in rank,meaning the darker the color, the farther up the belt system you are. For some reason it has always been that the darker color belt you are the more advanced one is in their respective system of study. It is also the case that when one has achieved the rank of black belt it is possible to get embroidery done on the belt. Usually the name of the student and his instructor is embroidered on the belt in colors of either red or gold.
It has always been the rule 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 a time honored 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 goal.
