Opinions of belts

[Aodhan]

Whats your opinion on somebody wearing a longer belt so it looks like your stance is deeper?. Im completely against it. but I like the way the longer belts hang...so im really half and half I spose.

If that's the reason, it's silly. I don't even look at the belt when judging. I don't like longer belts because when I do front kicks, the end has a tendency to fly up into my face. So, I wear my proper size or 1/2 size small.

John

I agree with you here. If a judge is too busy staring at belt length, and not judging the form, then he probably doesn't have the necessary requirments to be a judge.

One caveat - If I am center judge (ATA has a three judge system) I do look at the uniform/belt when a competitor first enters the ring and bows in. I check for a neat, well pressed uniform, no stains or evidence of the morning breakfast, patches (if any) in the correct places, etc. As center judge, I am judging presentation and overall correctness of the form. Uniform appearance before they start is part of that presentation score.

And yes, I have had two people do killer forms and be pretty much tied, but one was in a wrinkled, dirty uniform. He got 2nd.

John

[RichardZ]

I thought longer belts was a mis-size issue.

[Montana]

Personally, I don't know how many instructors would be fooled by a long belt. I look at the degree of bend in the knee when I look at people's stances, not the belt.

Exactly.

[RichardZ]

It maybe the instructor desire to see the long belt. Perhaps the onstructor was the one to implement the wearing of it.

[tvgameshow]

That was one of the greatest acts of sportsmanship I ever wintnessed in my years. I was not looking at their belts, I wanted to be fair.

[WireFrame]

LOL. The only time I had a longer belt (320mm instead of 280mm) was because it was passed on to me and not purchased, and well... it was just bloody impractical! Every Mai Geri sent one of the ends flying and flailing about! Utterly pointless, I ended up buying one anyway.

[sensei8]

That was one of the greatest acts of sportsmanship I ever wintnessed in my years. I was not looking at their belts, I wanted to be fair.

For me, that's why I love the international tournaments. These international tournaments ONLY use 'Blue' or 'Red' for EVERY competitor even though the competitors ARE black belts of varying ranks. These international tournament competitors are PROHIBITED/FORBIDDEN to wear there 'normal' Yudansha obi, and if you do, you have mere minutes to correct the error or be disqualified.

[Soheir]

I thought longer belts was a mis-size issue.

That would propably be my first thought too.

How long belts does people use then?

I just use the one that is -- good size! Never thought it could mean anything else. Some people prefer longer belt some shorter one.

[christoh]

I have a long belt but only because I cannot stand having a short belt. The belt size below my current size just seems too short.

- Chris

[Shotokan_Tigress]

I don't think any judge would consciously look at a competitor's belt to see how low their stance is, but it might make an impression. I would never wear a long belt with the intention of fooling a judge though. I just like them hanging low. Not too low mind you.