If you walk into a martial arts studio, expect to see people wearing belts with various colors. These belt colors can differ among martial art schools, but the whites and yellows typically signify the beginners in a style. Green, blue and purple belts are usually the mid-level ranks. Red, brown and black belts are for higher ranks. Knowledge, skill, perseverance and dedication are some of the implications of these martial arts belt ranks.
Knowledge
The color of your belt typically signifies the amount of knowledge you have attained about a martial art. If you wear a white or yellow belt, you most likely know some basic blocks, kicks and punches. As you move into higher belt levels like green, blue or purple, you begin to better understand the application of these techniques. By the time you reach the brown or black level, you have applied your techniques numerous times while practicing or sparring with other students. At the black belt level, your knowledge of martial arts techniques is at the point where you can instruct and correct others.
Skill
If you compare a white belt student's front kick to a black belt student's kick, you should see quite a difference. A white belt's kick is usually performed with less speed, power and balance than a black belt's kick. As you excel through the belts in the martial arts, you learn more techniques and become better at others. At the higher ranks, you improve the minor details of your techniques to make them that much better. For example, a black belt wearer truly understands the best way to turn his hips or pivot his feet to increase the power of his techniques.
Perseverance
If you earn a high belt rank in the martial arts, that accomplishment is symbolic of your perseverance. Getting to a red, brown or black belt can takes years of repetitively punching, kicking, blocking and falling on mats. Getting to these levels also usually involves lots of push-ups, sit-ups and jumping jacks. In addition, bumps and bruises are par for the course.
Dedication
Your belt level can also represent your dedication to your martial art. Training in the martial arts takes a significant commitment of your time. You need to juggle your work or school schedule to make time for classes and practice at home. If you are able to attain a high rank in a martial art, you have shown your dedication to it. This dedication and commitment can earn you the respect of fellow students. In addition, you can serve as a role model to students with lower belts.
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