Belt Colours - Why?

[Zaine]

We actually carry the staph virus on our skin more than anything else. If someone were to get it, it would more than likely have been a problem before they put on their gi.

[tallgeese]

http://bjiujitsu.blogspot.com/2011/09/microbiologists-take-on-bjj.html

Wash your stuff. Period.

[MasterPain]

Thanks Alex. This thread is going to give me nightmares. It's like Krillan vs Bacterian.

[ps1]

I prefer not washing my grappling uniform and belt. Of course, I consider this to be an offensive tactic rather than anything philosophical, however.

[ps1]

We actually carry the staph virus on our skin more than anything else. If someone were to get it, it would more than likely have been a problem before they put on their gi.

True in some cases. However, there has been a rampant increase in Community Acquired MRSA. It's important to not that MRSA differs from staph in so much as it resits the usual treatment methods. The increase is something being combated by the CDC as we speak. The best known method of avoiding it is to clean your own stuff and keep your mats, showers, locker rooms and equipment clean. Use bleach anywhere possible.

[davehale]

For me, belts only serve two functions:

1. Hold my gi closed

2. Provide a visual approximation of a wearer's skill

3. (If you're a sensei, I'm not) A way to organize one's students.

This is just my humble opinion but I think some people, styles, and systems tend to romanticize the martial arts and the belts. I tend to avoid schools that teach the belt is some fancy object with special meaning. For me, a belt is just...a belt. Anything beyond a practical functionality is just hoopla. But don't get me wrong. If this is what a person, style, system wishes to teach, then by all means do it. It's just not for me.

[evergrey]

My dojo currently has 5 belt colors- white, blue, green, brown, black. When Shihan was a Sensei and running his own dojo, it was White, Green, Brown, Black.

Either way, there are electrical tape stripes to signify more kyus. We have 10 kyus like a lot of standard Kyokushin dojos.

It didn't mean anything to me before Sensei and I joined up with a formal dojo. Now, well, it has hierarchical meanings. Being a dan rank tends to open a lot more doors in the community at large. A higher dan rank can enable you to teach. So there's that.

OSU

[sensei8]

What are your thoughts and reasoning behind your belts and what colours would you have if you had a choice?

The reasoning behind our belts is that they become darker as they advance.

If I had my way...White, Brown, and Black!!

[NINE TAIL FOX]

For me, belts only serve two functions:

1. Hold my gi closed

2. Provide a visual approximation of a wearer's skill

3. (If you're a sensei, I'm not) A way to organize one's students.

This is just my humble opinion but I think some people, styles, and systems tend to romanticize the martial arts and the belts. I tend to avoid schools that teach the belt is some fancy object with special meaning. For me, a belt is just...a belt. Anything beyond a practical functionality is just hoopla. But don't get me wrong. If this is what a person, style, system wishes to teach, then by all means do it. It's just not for me.

Could it be that belt structures are a crutch for a weak Western mind? I prefer white and when you have the skills your Sensei will advise that you may now wear a black belt. (After completing the grading requirements - whatever that may constitute in your style.)

I am probably one of few that went from white to black twice in their lives. I have, also had moments of great humour when a 'higher grade' student suddenly realizes this white belt in front of him is 'different'. (Again an opportunity of growth by not placing a subconscious value on the skill of an opponent based on the colour of his belt.)

I must confess that coloured belts makes sense in a training session when you have to match students with similar skills.

[bushido_man96]

Could it be that belt structures are a crutch for a weak Western mind?

How come Western minds are weak? The rank systems were created and used in the East FIRST, so I don't see how it really has anything to do with "Western" minds. There are thousands of Western athletes that train in Martial Arts without any need or desire for rank; they are Boxers and Wrestlers.