The use of a belt system was actually first used in the Japanese art of judo. The colored belt system was then adopted for karate by Sensei Gichin Funakoshi and his Shotokan style karate. Traditionally the belts were never washed and the change of color in the belts was “dirt” from hard work. They begin dying the belts after a student moved up in rank to show progress. This is where the symbolic meaning of the black belt came from- the idea that a student worked so hard the belt was black with dirt. Even today it is tradition to not wash the belt.

In order for one to pass up through the ranks, the student must pass belt examinations. Each style of karate has its own ranking system and may vary slightly from dojo to dojo. The most common ranking systems are Shotokan and Gojo-Ryu. Here is an example of a common belt ranking system:

•Kyu 7: White- beginner
•Kyu 6: Yellow
•Kyu 5: Orange
•Kyu 4: Green
•Kyu 3: Blue
•Kyu 2: Brown
•Kyu 1: Brown advanced
•1st-10th dan: Black (occasionally 6th-10th dan will use red and white belts)

Earning a black belt takes a lot of practice and dedication. A student wishing to earn a black belt should practice four times a week. Black belts come in different degrees and a first degree black belt means that the student has mastered the basics of karate. Black belt exams are ideally given in China and a true karate master will make the journey to the country several times in their life.

Besides identifying the ranking, the belt also serves to hold the uniform in place. The belt should be tied about one inch below the navel. The belt should be long enough to wrap around the waist two times. The knot should be placed in the center of the torso. The knot is tied in a certain fashion and will take some practice to become speedy. Most beginners learn how to tie the knot during their first few classes. There are also instructions available in books, videos, and online.

Karate is a sport of discipline. Working one’s way through the ranks takes dedication. When joining a dojo a student is encouraged to visit at least twice a week to get plenty of practice time in. Practice is noticed by the master and will be accounted for in preparation for the belt examinations.

Many videos and books are also available to provide references for the basics so that one can even practice at home. Sparring with a partner at the same level is also a good way for a student to get an experience that’s close to a competition. Whatever style of karate is being preformed, practice is the key to success. Working for and achieving a black belt is a very rewarding experience that every karate student should strive for. So do some research and if karate is a good match, then get practicing!