Karate practitioners demonstrate their level of efficiency through a system of colored belts, also called “kyu”. This color belt system of ranking helps the masters recognize and appreciate the improvements made by their students. Black and white are some of the common colors we come across. White here is representing the very starting level for a Karate student while black is the highest rank given to an expert. Some other colors are yellow, red, orange, blue and green. Karate belts have a great significance in the life of a student who wishes to master over the subject.
Meaning of the Karate Belts:
As you commence your journey in the field of Karate it is important to know the meaning of each of the karate belts. There is a total of seven levels of karate belts. This means there are six steps to achieve the final belt which is the respected black belt. Let’s read about the different meanings associated with these karate belts.
1) White: The white karate belt denotes the beginning stage of the student. As you begin your first class you are given the white belt by the master. This is just like a clean slate or an empty book where you will begin writing the stories of your journey as a student of Martial arts.
2) Yellow: This is the second level or the stage of awakening showcased by the student gradually over time. Karate belts which are yellow are awarded when a student shows evidence that he or she is adapting to the teaching. Just how a ray of sun this is colored in yellow to denote hope and enlighten for the student concerned.
3) Orange: As the mind of the student changes and they begin becoming expert the karate belts also change in terms of the color chosen. Orange basically is the symbol of fire. As the student gains confidence, knowledge, and courage and rapidly learns new things they are awarded the orange belt to further encourage them.
4) Green: When students learn and refine their basic karate skills, they are given the green karate belt. These are the intermediate group of students who are constantly learning new skills and mastering them with regular practices.
5) Blue: Blue karate belts are given when students go one more level up. This is awarded when the students have started learning new and additional knowledge, technicalities and skills. It denotes that the mind is constantly evolving.
6) Purple: Purple denotes the color of dawn in general. As the students showcase more seriousness and involvement, they are awarded this belt.
7) Brown: Brown karate belts signify that the mind of the student is ripening and is maturing fast.
8) Red: Red is the color of strength and hence is awarded to students as they become more disciplined and gain deeper knowledge.
9) Black: When the student has achieved a complete understanding of the teachings and have developed a very deeper mental and physical strength, they are awarded the highest rank, the black belt. Often students with black belts can begin teaching other students as they have become experts.
Students in karate must understand that the karate belts are awarded for encouragement. They are side effects or inspirations to motivate the student. They are never the primary goal. The main aim is to develop your personality and learn techniques which can help you defend yourself in any unwanted fighting scenarios. Karate is not learned to start fighting with anyone who is displeasing to us. Rather it is a skill passed on by our masters so we learn how we can keep ourselves and our families safe and protected.
