Karate Belt Colors

Karate is a martial art form which originated in Japan and involves various techniques of punching, kicking, locking, and knee and elbow striking. It is a striking art which can be practiced as a sport, combat sport or as a self defense training. However the traditional karate emphasizes more on self defense, helping an individual to develop better reflexes, as well as provide a full body workout. Though karate is more about the different fighting techniques and karate moves, one thing that can not go unnoticed is the different colored karate belts. With colors varying from simple black and white to vibrant yellow and blue, karate belts always catch attention and signify the rank of the practitioner wearing them.

History of Karate Belts

Kano Jigoro, the founder of judo, introduced the colored belt ranking system in order to denote his students' rank and progress. Initially, there was no specific visible way to differentiate between yudansha (dan ranks) and mudansha (initiates who hadn't yet attained dan ranks). Kano invented this ranking system in 1883 when he awarded his students 'shodan or dan ranks'. In those times, black and while obis (sash for traditional Japanese dress) were worn with uniform kimono (a loose robe) in order to differentiate between the yudansha and mudansha.
In 1907, Kano introduced the modern gi and its modern obi using the traditional white and black colors, though other martial arts forms later adopted the custom or variation of it and started using different colored sashes to indicate the ranks. However, there are no universal rules to confirm which belt color signifies which particular color. Hence, each martial arts form has its own belt color order in accordance to its rank structure.

Karate Belt Colors in Order

Corresponding to the rank, colors tend to progress from lightest to darkest. Hence, to know which colors signify which ranks, check out the below given standard karate belt colors in order.

White Belt
The belt that signifies the beginning of a karate training is white belt. Since, white color represents purity, the belt is given to a novice learner who has no prior knowledge of this field.

Yellow Belt
The yellow belt is given to a karate beginner who has started taking control of his life, body and environment. The colors yellow and orange symbolize sunrise and a new birth just as a seed begins to grow, and at times the belt is also represented by the color orange.

Green Belt
As color green symbolizes the color of spring, growth as if a green plant sprouts out of the ground, the green belt is given to a karate student who has entered the growing process of training. At this point, the student has built up a firm foundation and is ready to learn more advanced stages.

Blue Belt
At times, also represented by the color purple, the color blue or purple signifies the color of sky. Hence, the blue belt is given to students in order to remind that they have to reach for the heavens and so have to continue their journey with lots of dedication and hard work.

Brown Belt
The brown or red belt which symbolizes the color of sun and blood, is given to the karate students when they are able to create their own techniques and can start imitating the advanced and complicated techniques and mannerisms from the higher belts.

Black Belt
The highest ranking karate belt is the black belt. Since, color black can absorb all other colors, the belt symbolizes that the student has deep knowledge of all the preceding levels and has mastered the training.

To sum up, we can say that colors of the karate belt are the result or way of showing commitment and discipline to this form of martial arts. Hence, each belt has to be earned to be worn, and it takes a number of years to accomplish and attain the highest level of karate, the black belt.