Karate is an Eastern discipline of Chinese origin, although it emerged in Japan , thus blending both cultures. "Karate" derives from the Japanese word " karate," which literally means "empty hand" ( kara : empty and te : hand), as it is based on the execution of a series of precise punches ( katas ) . It is a combat sport that gained great popularity after being included in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
A karate practitioner will progress through a series of levels or ranks ( obi ) indicated by different colored belts. In this article, we'll tell you all about the colors of karate belts and their meanings so you can understand how to advance in this discipline.
What is karate?
Karate is a martial art of Chinese origin (although it originated in Japan) based on a series of techniques aimed at increasing body and energy power through the precise execution of certain types of regulated strikes (katas).
“Karate” originates from the Japanese word karate , which literally means “empty hand” ( kara : empty and te : hand). This is due to its characteristic technique, based on striking the air with an “empty hand,” since a closed fist contains nothing but “air.” And as is well known to most people, a person who practices it is called a “karateka.”
Karate is a technical and spiritual practice
Like any ancient discipline, its practice goes beyond purely technical execution , encompassing a spiritual dimension that completes its meaning. Karate, properly understood from its origins, is a way of life and human growth . Therefore, its history is long and has evolved through different forms, giving rise to many styles ( Shotokan Karate, Shitoryu, Goju Ryu, Kyokushin, Kenpo Karate , and many more).
Karate, therefore, cannot be technically defined as a sport because its meaning is much broader. Although in the Western world it has become established as a "sport" because its practice is more focused on technical aspects. In fact, it made its debut as a sport at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. This is also an important moment in the history of this martial art.
Karate is a martial art that prepares the student for combat and the correct execution of the techniques or kion requires rigorous training that combines strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and speed.
What distinguishes this type of combat is that—unlike others— it seeks to "conserve energy" through the precision of its strikes , rather than employing long successions of rapid impacts as in other disciplines, such as boxing. In other words, it's about making intelligent use of bodily energy, what the Chinese call Chi or Qi , which is " life force" or "vital energy flow." It is a sacred energy, and therefore requires proper use and focus, in this case through precise strikes. For this reason, it is a "spiritual combat" whose essence is far removed from all violence.
learning karate
Karate is a discipline that can last a lifetime (although the initial levels are easily achieved in a few months of practice), and its learning is divided into a series of levels or ranks (obi) through which the student progresses according to their development. Advancement to a new level is evaluated by a panel of judges who examine the student's performance.
To indicate a karateka's skill level, there are different colored belts on their martial arts uniform. Below, we'll explain the colors of karate belts and their meanings.
The colors of the karate belts and their meaning
Modern karate measures a karateka's or obi 's level using the familiar colored belt system. But to understand how this classification is established, it's necessary to know how the learning levels are structured in this discipline.
In karate, ranks are divided into two categories : the most basic scale, corresponding to the lower levels of karate or kyu system , and the mastery scale, or dan system . Each system has 10 levels or 10 obi (belts) with reversed order: that is, while in the kyu system the most basic level is obi 10, corresponding to the white belt (with which every student begins), in the dan system, obi 10 represents the highest level of mastery (which very few people achieve).
Thus, when a karateka completes all kyu levels and reaches the black belt or first Dan , they begin a stage of mastery on their path as a karateka through the various Dan levels. Therefore, this means that the black belt —contrary to popular belief— is not the end of a karateka's practice ; on the contrary, it is only the beginning: from there, they can embark on a long path of refinement until reaching the highest level of mastery, or tenth Dan.
Although the color scheme for karate belts follows a more or less fixed pattern, there are some variations depending on the style of karate and the rules established by dojos and organizations in each country. For example, kata and kumite (two popular styles of karate) can have different kyu sequences , so the obi (belts) may be represented by different colors.
The colors of the karate belts indicate the level u obi of the karate fighter
In the kyu or minor karate system, beginner karate practitioners start with the white belt (the lowest level) and progress gradually through all the colors until reaching brown (the highest kyu level ) and finally black (first Dan ).
Once the black belt (perfection) or first Dan is achieved , one will progress successively through the following levels until the tenth or final Dan (for those who reach it). In the Dan system , the obi (belt ) may vary in color depending on the dojo that directs the practice.
Therefore, what we will indicate below are the obi colors corresponding to the kyu sequence , that is , the colors of the commonly known karate belts. Each color not only represents an obi but also a symbol (technical and spiritual) of the level of learning:
- White: is the tenth kyu and represents the purity. It means the start of the transformation.
- Yellow: is the luminosity and symbolizes the union or alliance, as well as the search.
- Orange: is the color of the Energy and represents the security,, the will and the emotion to learn.
- Green: green is the esperanza that invites reflection and rest and symbolizes the for Growth and balance.
- Blue: represents the harmony and symbolizes the illusion and the confidence. for achieving progress.
- Brown is the primer kyu and maximum level on this scale. It corresponds to a turning point in the progress of the student, where he passes from the system kyu To the system Dan. indicates intelligence, solidity and the practice and deepening of one's own being.
- Black: is the primer Then (The perfection) and advances upwards to the tenth Dan (mastery). Some dojo make distinctions with white or red stripes or ends on belts of this level. At this point, the student's training is considered advanced enough to begin further training at a master's level or Dan.
Normally this is the order that the obi and their corresponding belt color follow, but some schools include more colors or combinations and that is how we can find, for example, purple after blue and before brown.
In children's karate, it's common to find belts with colored stripes instead of a single, uniform color like in adult karate. The combinations can be quite varied (white-yellow, yellow-orange, orange-green, green-blue, and blue-brown), and it's basically a way to keep the children motivated.