What Is The Red Belt In Martial Arts?

The martial arts system uses a belt system to rank skill development. There is a legend that in the beginning, students received only one belt, which was white, and they wore that until it turned black from grime and blood. However, that is unlikely, given the standard of cleanliness in martial arts and Asian culture. Originally, the white belt was simply dyed to a new color in this order, from lightest to darkest: white, yellow, gold, orange, green, blue, purple, brown, red and black. The current color ranking system used by martial arts schools is relatively new and doesn't reflect the ancient form of the art.

Traditional Red Belt

In traditional Japanese karate, the grand master or head of the family was given the title of soke and wore a red belt, according to Shihan Ivan Lewis of Busho Kai USA Martial Arts and Fitness. Extended family members or students of the dojo were given belts based on relationship to the soke and level of mastery of the art, according to the Traditional Asian Health Center. Titles for teacher as Sifu and Sensei, which have a combined meaning of father/teacher, are used for third- and fourth-degree black belts.

Japanese Karate

The red belt in karate was reserved for the soke or grand master. According to Shihan Ivan Lewis, the grand master was the originator of an organization. The red belt didn't symbolize a higher level of mastery, but was only an indicator of the head of the family. In Western culture, the term grand master took on a different and meaning: a higher degree of martial arts mastery, according to the Traditional Asian Health Center.

Brazilian Jujitsu

The Gracie family started Brazilian jujitsu as a martial art style for a smaller opponent to defend against taller adversaries. The founder, Carlos Gracie, was the head of the family and the only member to wear the red belt. Currently the descendants of the Gracie family have dojos (schools) across the United States and continue with the tradition of the highest-ranking belt as the red belt. Jujitsu International has a red belt council to maintain the history and ranking standards for Brazilian jujitsu.

Judo

In judo, the red belt designation was for the highest-ranking "dan," of sixth degree or higher. In 1884 with the start of the Red and White Tournament, the two-paneled belt became the symbol of the highest achievement in judo. This belt is supposed to be worn on the most special occasions, according to Monmouth Judo.

Tae Kwon Do

Tae kwon do was one of the first martial art forms to give students the achievement of the red belt, according to Shihan Lewis. Traditionally the red belt signifies danger in tae kwon do. The red-belt level signifies very good technical skills and mastery of self-control.