The Belt Ranking System in Martial Arts
If there is one topic that creates immense confusion within Martial Arts circles (and without for that matter), it has to be the topic of Belts.
There was no belt ranking system in Martial Arts to begin with. There was only a white belt and its function was most certainly not aimed at differentiating between the skills levels of students. It was purely a practical item of clothing, tied around the waist of the Martial Arts student to keep his or her clothing in place.
Naturally the white belt was not destined to remain white. Arduous training, frequent wear and heavy use caused the belt to grow progressively darker until eventually it became “black” in color. Thus emerged the term, “Black Belt”, in Martial Arts.
Around the turn of the 20th century, the Kodokan Judo founder Jigaro Kano started using the belt ranking system to indicate the proficiency levels of his students. This grew in popularity and, with the exception of a few traditional Japanese Schools, is widely used in Martial Arts today.
The only similarity between the various Martial Arts belt ranking systems, is that there is a belt. The different Martial Arts or even the styles and schools within those very same Martial Arts may award belts differently - in terms of color, criteria and required skills levels.
A good rule of thumb is that Martial Arts students, who have not been graded yet, are required to wear white belts. The student will generally be required to develop their Martial Arts skill through approximately 10 levels. Upon achieving each level, a different color belt is awarded to indicate the level of proficiency achieved. An example of a color sequence could be: White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, 1st Purple, 2nd Purple, Red, 1st Brown, 2nd Brown and Black. Once achieving Black Belt, the student can continue his or her studies towards achieving up to 10 Dans.
Frequency of promotion and the assessment method employed to grade the Martial Arts student will vary. Normally, a Martial Arts student who applies him or herself, could be promoted to the next level every three months or so. Black Belt is potentially attainable after three years.
The method employed to assess the readiness of the Martial Arts student to progress to the next level is sometimes referred to as a “grading”. During the grading, the student demonstrates that his or her skills are adequate for progress to the following level. This may include executing one or more katas practiced as part of their curriculum at the Dojo.
Generally speaking, most Martial Arts dojos do not discriminate against students in terms of physical disabilities, gender, age or race. The only discernment faced will normally be whether the required Martial Arts competency has been acquired or whether additional training is needed before promotion.
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