Progressive Martial Arts Blog A Modern Martial Arts Blog

What Do the Belt Colors Mean in Martial Arts?

One of the first things that most people notice about martial arts are the different colors of belts that martial artists where. But what you might not know is that colors represent different meanings and skill sets. Additionally, depending upon what type of martial art is being referred to the color of belts will define unique things. In other words, there isn’t a universal belt system that all belts belong to.

Looking at Brazilian Jiujitsu, belt colors for children are completely different from the belts for adults. Adults will wear white, blue, purple, brown, black and red, whereas children adorn white, yellow, orange and green. Despite the different colors, the one thing that the belts share in common are their demonstration of progression. As student of Brazilian Jiujitsu achieve new competencies through training they climb to the next level. Colored belts are used to signify how much a student has mastered thus far.

Beyond the colors of belts, there is also a numbering system that is used to provide additional ranking and classification. The number ranking system is useful when martial artists are being compared in group environments. The combination of ranking and colored belts make it easier to classify what students have attained through study and instruction. An example of the numbering and belt system would be when someone is referred to having a 2nd degree brown belt in a particular martial art.

In terms of what each belt color means and how you earn one, well that really depends on the level of commitment from the student, where training takes place and who is providing instruction. For instance, if someone was taking Brazilian Jiujitsu a two-hour course four days a week with a world-renown trainer then they’d be more likely to achieve a black belt status.

It should be noted that martial arts isn’t a race, it’s a marathon and to receive the full benefits and enjoyment of this art form, students should go at an even pace that allows them absorb and comprehend all that martial arts has to offer.

For an in depth tutorial on the color of Brazilian Jiujitsu belts, ranking and a planned course of study, contact a local and reputable martial arts facility. They will be happy to answer your questions and share additional insight with you.