What Is a Black Belt?

A Martial Arts Black Belt

Introduction

In this post, we will explore the question, "What is a black belt?" I will explain the lore, what the layman thinks, what other martial arts think or believe, and what I think a black belt represents.

The Lore

The legend: Supposedly, people would wear a white belt while training, and as it progressively got dirtier, it became, you guessed it! Black! Now that I have told you the fun, mystical story, I will tell you what happened.

It was 1883 in Japan, the founder of Judo, Master Jigoro Kano. Liked how other sports ranked their athletes. So, he decided to adopt the idea for his sport of judo. He started with only two belts, white and black. White students and black students are being for Instructors. They wore these thick belts called "Obi," which were used to keep their kimono together and/or hold a sword. It wasn't till the 1930s-40s that Europeans added colors like orange, yellow, purple, blue, red, etc, I know not as cool as the first story. I'm sorry to disappoint.

The layman

As a preface, I have been in martial arts since I was 5 years old, so I was never a "layman". All of this is based on my experience talking to people.

Most people only look at it like a degree from a college. It is a credential that supposedly demonstrates "I know how to fight." However, there is plenty of evidence on YouTube that proves that many black belts do not know how to fight. Not only this, but many black belts are uncordinated and overweight.

Most people also believe that people who have black belts are humble or just "good people". I have met arrogant jerks who have a black belt tied around their waist. And I have met white belts who are humble and ready to learn. The belt does not matter; only the actions you take.

What Does the Community Think?

Well, in the community of martial arts, not a specific group, but the whole. There are some belts that are respected and some belts that are viewed as a joke. And, most of the judgment is based on the success that the martial art has had in MMA fights.

I know what you are thinking. Which black belt is a joke? Don't worry, I will tell you. The biggest jokes are Taekwondo, Aikido, and Kung Fu. 20 years ago, Karate would be on the list; however, there have been some Karatekas who have been very successful in the UFC. So, now it depends on what kind of karate you do.

Now, the black belt that is viewed very highly is a BJJ black belt. Muay Thai and wrestling are also very good, but they do not have any belt system. Remember that this is the collective opinion of martial artists. Not people who only do one art or one combat sport.

What is a Black Belt to Me?

I have an inward opinion and an outward opinion. My Inward opinion is what I think of my black belt. My outward opinion is what I think of other people who have a black belt.

Inwardly, my black belt is to keep my gi together. That is all. My merit as a fighter should be judged separately from my belt, and my character should also be judged separately from my belt.

Outwardly, it tells me that a person was committed to a martial art for a substantial amount of time. It doesn't mean they can fight; it doesn't mean they are a good person. But it also depends on the art. But, generally, every black belt has put in at least 5 years of consistent work to get their belt. Maybe not hard work. Maybe really hard work. But work nonetheless.

Conclusion

If I were to leave you with one line, I would say. The belt doesn't make the person. The person makes the belt.

If you are interested in getting a black belt to hold your gi together, sign up for your free trial class here. Thank you for reading. If you would like to, leave a comment and tell me what a black belt means to you.