What does a belt mean to you?

[bushido_man96]

Truestar, that is a good post. Very well thought out and explained.

JusticeZero, I do agree with the respectability aspect that you are talking about gaining through the exam process. I think that many of the laypersons out there see our rank status as levels of achievement and ability to transfer the knowledge, and in a credible fashion. Thus, we see many organizations that relate this credibility with their rank promotions and certifications.