Reasons for Belt Level Colors
Like everything else in Karate, there is thought and intention behind the colors chosen for belt rankings.
Some say that they represent the life cycle of a plant from its humble beginnings to its seeming end.
Are these fun facts or the truth? Something to think about................................
1. White Belt
The first belt in Karate, of course, is the white belt. It represents the beginning.
As the little plant bursts through the soil, it is greeted by the bright, white light of day.
2. Yellow Belt
As the plant adjusts to the light, it deepens into the golden hue of sunlight.
The student is being warmed and stretched in the pursuit of their goals.
3. Orange Belt
As the sun grows hot, life becomes more difficult for the little plant.
In the same vein, training becomes more difficult for the student.
4. Green Belt
The little plant has survived the hot sun and is now sending forth new growth.
Green leaves and shoots are spreading out from the plant.
The student is growing and becoming more proficient in the basics.
5. Blue Belt
The plant is continuing to grow and stretch up towards the bright blue sky.
The student’s knowledge is expanding and growing.
6. Purple Belt
The day is drawing to an end, the blue sky darkens to purple.
The student’s knowledge is deepening and becoming more profound.
7. Red Belt
The final rays of the sun are red and hot on the blossoming plant.
Training is intense but the student has come so far.
Red is also a symbol of danger.
The student is becoming proficient enough that they are a danger to their enemies.
8. Brown Belt
The darkness is intensifying and the plant humbly bows its head back towards the soil from which it came.
The seed is maturing and ripening as the harvest nears.
The student is beginning to reap the rewards of all their toil and training.
9. Black Belt
Darkness falls and the plant dies. But in its place, there is a new beginning.
The student has learned so much, including that there is so much more to learn.
The first stage of their martial arts journey is complete, but the journey has just barely begun.