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Up until the time of Dr. Jigoro Kano, founder of Judo, martial artists quietly went about their training with their training garment and if this garment came with a belt, it was usually white in color. Over time, this belt became darker as the years of training in the trenches increased, hence the legend of the "black-belt". How much of this is symbolic and how much is true is the subject of some debate, however, Kano did see the need to acknowledge and encourage the efforts of martial artists he trained at the Kodokan. Kano developed a belt system that has been adopted by several martial arts throughout the world with some subtle differences thrown in (there are arguments that this belt system was adopted by a similar ranking of swimming proficiency in the Japanese military). A good example of differing traditions occurs in the Chinese martial arts where sashes are worn of various colors to indicate rank.
In spite of who was indeed first, Kano developed a belt ranking system for Judo which used an array of colors which symbolized a judokas progression over the course of time. Incidentally, the belt colors do become darker as this progression takes place and whether or not this was done intentionally to mirror the old practice of "darkening the white belt" over time can be argued. However, this system has survived the test of time and is an important part of many martial arts organizations today.
For the most part, the original intent of acknowledging and encouraging higher-skilled students remains true in today's dojos, however, quite frankly, it is also a source of considerable revenue for organizations. For example, some martial arts organizations charge students hundreds of dollars to recieve official black belt certification. Colored belt ranks preceeding black belt fetch lower amounts but when multiplied by the number of students who come through the door, you can see why this is a mutually beneficial system for the student and instructor.
Kano's original belt system had ten "beginner" levels followed by the much revered "black belt". Once black belt status was gained, the student could look forward to a life long pursuit of the ten dans or degrees which exist in the black belt rank.
As indicated previously, variations to Kano's system were born, for example, a common progression of colored belts in Karate is:
- White Belt
- Yellow Belt
- Orange Belt
- Green Belt
- Blue Belt
- Purple Belt
- Brown Belt
Keep in mind that this is simply a common example. Other clubs may adopt an entirely different system or even introduce striped belts to further distinguish students and acknowledge skills learned. Also, other arts may adopt different colors altogether. In other words, do not assume that all clubs follow the same belt ranking system. Even more importantly, do not assume that requirements from one organization to another are equal when it comes to belt rank. Some organizations place much emphasis on developing the student to a greater extent before he/she reaches black belt. While others may not place as much emphasis on the colored belts. One of the first questions instructors recieve is "how long until I recieve my black belt?". If we had to pick an average, it would have to be around 5 years, however, this time frame can go as low as three or as high as ten.
There is a definite perception that reaching the black belt level is the attainment of "expert" status. Those who have trained in the martial arts for several years know differently. As was outlined earlier, black belt rank has ten degrees. The first 5 degrees are deemed as "intermediate" rank. "Advanced" ranks continue to 8th degree and the remainder is left to those of "master" status. This can vary according to the art and the organization. In Japanese martial arts, for example, the ten degrees of black belt rank are outlined as follows:
- First Dan (degree): Shodan
- Second Dan (degree): Nidan
- Third Dan (degree): Sandan
- Fourth Dan (degree): Yondan
- Fifth Dan (degree): Godan
- Sixth Dan (degree): Rokudan
- Seventh Dan (degree): Shichidan
- Eighth Dan (degree): Hachidan
- Ninth Dan (degree): Kyudan
- Tenth Dan (degree): Judan
When shopping for a school, always pay attention to the substance before you get too caught up in looking at the rank advertised. It is not uncommon for a few instructors out there to rank themselves. Although this is not automatically a bad thing, it does warrant a "buyer beware" warning. The bottom line is to see the instructor in action and his/her ability to teach that martial art.