In our school a belt shows that you have learned technique required for that level within OUR school. Sure you could say, "Oh yeah I've got a black belt" and anyone that passed you by would think OH MY MY GOD THIS GUY'S LETHAL! You wouldn't even know where he got the belt. There are a lot of phony and cheap Mcdojos out there and it really disheartens me. In our school you have to work for a belt! When you get it you know that you've earned it. People within the dojo give you respect at any level because you earned it. In our school we know that you will not get far if you are in it just for the belt. You have to work!