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Your Fitness Fighter Within
The karate belt is a bright symbol that people wear around their waists to show their rank and level of skill in the karate art. From pure white, which stands for a beginner, to decisive black, which represents a seasoned pro, the colours show the path of learning and growth. It is said that Jigoro Kano, the father of Judo, started this practice in the late 1880s by first using only two types of belts: white and black. Before it became popular, people who practised karate didn’t wear uniforms. Instead, they wore short pants and left their bodies bare.
Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of the Shotokan style, later spread the belt system through karate to make it more popular and reach more people in mainland Japan. Over time, different types of karate adopted this method, making it a standard practice worldwide. The karate belt has a greater meaning than just its historical value. It is a visual representation of a practitioner’s skill and personal improvement. The belt system is based on rewards and praise, showing appreciation for the hard work and focus that went into learning the art. Additionally, it motivates students to improve their skills through hard training and becoming true to the martial arts they practice.
This article aims to explain the journey of karate belts and their colours, including what each colour means.
The colour of their karate belt shows the Karateka’s (a karate practitioner) level of skill and knowledge. The belts’ colour and order can change from school to school or training centre to training centre. In general, though, there are nine colours of karate belts.
For newbies, putting on the white belt is like planting a seed and beginning their journey in karate. During this time, called the basic phase, martial artists lay the groundwork for their future.
When a karateka gets their yellow belt, they are considered “advanced beginners” because they have learned the basics. The bright colour of the sun, which stands for growth and skill development, is yellow.
The seed gets stronger and warmer at the orange belt level, preparing for new growth. This stage shows how a student’s body and mind are changing, and it is an important part of the martial arts journey.
You can improve your skills when you get your green belt. As karate practitioners move into the fourth stage, they improve their skills, showing they are more dedicated to the art
When a karateka gets their blue belt, it means they have mastered the basics and are ready to move on to more complex skills. At this point in their journey, they have reached a higher level of skill and knowledge.
The red belt, typically earned at the sixth or seventh dan, denotes a deep comprehension of the martial arts. At this stage, practitioners are prepared to transition from mastering their skills to guiding others in their training journey.
At the purple belt level, you better understand the karate. At this stage, karate practitioners are ready to share what they know, moving from being students to possibly becoming teachers in the community.
When a karateka gets to the brown belt level, they are an art expert and ready to teach others. Practitioners become teachers and guides for others at this stage, which is a turning point.
The black belt shows the best karate skills, which means mastery. Graduates of this stage are ready to teach others. The different degrees offer different levels of skill and achievement. Each black belt level has its meanings and standards, which make the art of sport more enjoyable. The journey of karate belts, marked by their different colors, represents a lifelong dedication to karate and personal growth.
Finally, the trip through the karate belts represents a lively journey that shows growth, determination, and martial arts skills. Starting with the white belt for beginners and ending with the black belt for experts, each level represents a different story. The belt system has become a worldwide standard, with roots in the work of Jigoro Kano and a push from Gichin Funakoshi. Beyond its historical meaning, the karate belt is an outward sign of skill, personal growth, and unwavering dedication. As practitioners move through the colors, they learn new methods and take on the responsibility of teaching others. This story of hard work, discipline, and physical greatness is ongoing.