Gift for departing martial arts friend

[Travis2310]

I've been in martial arts for about a year, and my friend who rose through the ranks at the same time and level as I had is leaving college and going to pursue a job in China. We have been very close throughout our time and he's been a very great friend.

I want to give him something to remember me by, so I was going to give him my lower level blue belt, since we've moved up in the ranks. I wanted to give him my blue belt to remind him of where we started and how we met.

But I wasn;t sure if there was any stigma regarding giving away your belt in "Karate" culture and ethics. For example, you are never to allow your belt to touch the floor, or to wear it uneven. I wasn't sure if there was a rule against giving your belt away.

Does anyone know if this would be frowned upon?

Thanks

[MasterPain]

I believe that the meaning between your friend and yourself is more important than anyone else's feelings about it.

[Liver Punch]

For example, you are never to allow your belt to touch the floor, or to wear it uneven. I wasn't sure if there was a rule against giving your belt away.Thanks

My belt seems to still work just fine and I've never been good about not letting it touch the ground. When I got my black belt, I decided I'd try to stick to that rule because it was kind of a big deal. My belt made it about 5 minutes without getting dropped. I don't think anyone in my circle would frown at you for giving your belt away.

Heck, your belt is technically just a visual symbol of knowledge, discipline, and whatnot being passed from one person to another. This seems like a continuation of that.

[ps1]

I believe that the meaning between your friend and yourself is more important than anyone else's feelings about it.

Agreed