Brooklyn Kenshikai

Agree 100%! The belt only matters to those who are worried that without it, in an unfamiliar dojo/setting, no one will be able to tell how accomplished and experienced they are. Those who say otherwise are kidding themselves. Otherwise, why get all bent out of shape over wearing the white belt, in a place where no one knows you? The belt doesn't matter on the street, it shouldn't matter in an unfamiliar setting outside the domain of your style/dojo where you are training fairly anonymously. Again, the real proof of "rank" is in your performance, not the cloth that keeps your gi top in place!

My Dai-Soke would've done whatever was required of him because he would've been there for one thing and one thing only...train!! Sensei8 — Bingo! ——— Exactly — you're there to train, not to be concerned with pecking order! It's not a place where you plan to stay — you're just visiting — why not conform to the protocol of the dojo YOU ASKED to train at while you're in town? Best to leave one's ego and "rank" at the door and join the class and focus on the training, not the color of cloth strip around one's waist!

Wearing a white belt is not a mark of dishonor or punishment. To me, and to most experienced karateka, it represents sho shin --beginner's mind -- which every karateka should maintain, no matter what their rank. Think about it — You're just in town, temporarily, visiting a school that YOU contacted, and you don't know them and they don't know you, and you asked to work out in THEIR dojo, and they're being generous and gracious, in saying yes, you can work out with us. Same style or not, you were not promoted by them -- wear a white belt. If you're a 5th dan, let what you do in class make that clear to all -- why would displaying, to total strangers, your rank, with a piece of cloth, matter so much to you? If you had no belt to wear (you lost it, for example) would you not take the class, even if they said it's fine to not wear one? Would that deter you? if so, ego is the answer. Rank is only relevant/relative within a dojo, usually, and maybe sometimes in its associated/branch dojos. If I never wore a belt for the rest of my days, I would still enjoy training as much as ever. Would you? I hope so! Osu!

If your aim is simply to visit and take part in a class or workout, while you're in town — i don't see why the color of the belt you wear should matter to you. I've done the same — any time I've visited another city, I've called or emailed ahead, to ask if it was OK to visit and maybe take part in a class. I've always, as a default, worn a white belt. Why should it matter to me what color belt the rest of the people in that dojo see around my waist? If I want them see what rank or level I am, it should be plain enough, in what I do in class, not what I wear in class! The perceived need to have others see that rank/belt around one's waist is nothing but ego and insecurity (myself included). I got over that real quick after a few dojo visits around the country. IMO, It's good practice to wear the white belt — let your techniques tell the story. Humility, as another reply mentioned — it's a good thing! -RB

Great post. It's always a wise choice to start in a new school with a white belt, no matter what rank you hold elsewhere. I had that experience going from Shodan in Goju to starting in a Seido dojo 1991. Also, whenever I travel, on vacation, I seek out local karate schools and ask, politely, if I can pay a mat fee and work out with them while I'm visiting their city. 99% of the time they are very happy to say yes, and do NOT want a mat fee. I always wear a white belt in this situation. Even if I'm visiting a nearby dojo, if it's not my dojo, or a branch of our organization, I put on a white belt. Humility is a virtue in martial arts that is often neglected. Plus, I like the way the belt looks! Osu, Russell

The idea of testing is foreign to me, but I understand it from a business point of view, to generate some income for the dojo. However… As you train, you should always be trying to perfect your movements and techniques. If you need the incentive of an impending test to work harder and make your techniques sharper, something is lacking in your training. True karate training doesn't allow for doing your techniques less proficiently than you are capable of doing. I have had testing both ways — announced and unannounced. I train 100% whether I know a test is coming or not. That way, I'm always ready to be tested. I'm not the most talented martial artist in my dojo, but I won't allow myself to be less than the best prepared, should a test happen. People say they prefer to know in advance — they don't like surprises! How about in a street self defense situation? Do you get two weeks notice that you're going to be attacked? The same should apply to in-dojo training. Always prepared, always sharpening, always learning, always giving 100%. IMHO, of course!