Martial arts have been practised for centuries, and many different styles and systems have developed over time. One common feature of many martial arts is the use of belts and ranks to indicate a practitioner's level of proficiency and experience. In this article, we will explore some of the martial arts that use belts and ranks, how the ranking systems work, and what they signify.
Karate
Karate is a Japanese martial art that focuses on strikes, kicks, and blocks. It was developed in the Ryukyu Islands, which are now part of Okinawa, Japan. Karate has a well-known ranking system that uses coloured belts to indicate a student's level of proficiency. The ranking system starts with a white belt for beginners and progresses through several colours, including yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and black.
Judo
Judo is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes throws, joint locks, and submissions. It was developed by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century as a form of physical education and self-defence. Judo also has a ranking system that uses coloured belts to indicate a student's level of proficiency. The ranking system starts with a white belt for beginners and progresses through several colours, including yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and black.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that focuses on kicks, strikes, and blocks. It was developed in the 1940s and 1950s and is now an Olympic sport. Taekwondo also has a ranking system that uses coloured belts to indicate a student's level of proficiency. The ranking system starts with a white belt for beginners and progresses through several colours, including yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and black.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that emphasizes ground fighting and submissions. It was developed from Judo by the Gracie family in Brazil in the early 20th century. BJJ also has a ranking system that uses coloured belts to indicate a student's level of proficiency. The ranking system starts with a white belt for beginners and progresses through several colours, including blue, purple, brown, and black.
Aikido
Aikido is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes joint locks and throws. It was developed by Morihei Ueshiba in the early 20th century as a form of self-defence and spiritual development. Aikido also has a ranking system that uses coloured belts to indicate a student's level of proficiency. The ranking system starts with a white belt for beginners and progresses through several colours, including yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and black.
Kendo
Kendo is a Japanese martial art that focuses on swordsmanship. It was developed in the early 20th century as a form of physical education and military training. Kendo also has a ranking system that uses coloured belts to indicate a student's level of proficiency. The ranking system starts with a white belt for beginners and progresses through several colours, including yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and black.
Hapkido
Hapkido is a Korean martial art that emphasizes joint locks, throws, and strikes. It was developed in the mid-20th century and is known for its practical self-defence techniques. Hapkido also has a ranking system that uses coloured belts to indicate a student's level of proficiency. The ranking system starts with a white belt for beginners and progresses through several colours, including yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and black.