The image of a martial artist wearing a black belt is iconic. But did you know that the colored belt system is a relatively modern invention? It wasn't part of ancient samurai training but was introduced to help structure learning for students.
Origins in Judo
Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, is credited with creating the belt system in the late 19th century. He wanted a visible way to track student progress and pair them effectively for practice. Originally, there were only white and black belts!
The Meaning of the Colors
Over time, other colors were added to represent the stages of growth. One popular metaphor is the life cycle of a plant:
- White: The seed buried in the snow (innocence).
- Green: The plant sprouting towards the sun (growth).
- Black: The tree, strong and deep-rooted (mastery).
A Personal Journey
Remember, the belt is just a piece of fabric. Its true value lies in the sweat, discipline, and personal growth it represents. A black belt is simply a white belt who never gave up.
Share this article
Join Our Newsletter
Get the latest training tips and dojo news delivered to your inbox.