Martial Arts Belts

Understanding Rank, Tradition, and Practical Choices

Martial arts belts are more than simple pieces of cloth — they represent discipline, progress, and personal achievement. Whether you’re training in karate, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, taekwondo, or another style, the belt you wear marks your rank and dedication.

If you’re looking to purchase a martial arts belt — for yourself, your child, or your students — it’s important to understand the differences in materials, sizing, and tradition across styles.

What Is a Martial Arts Belt?

A martial arts belt is used to indicate rank, skill level, and progression in a specific martial arts system. The color of the belt reflects the wearer’s status in that discipline, and the belt itself may vary in width, stiffness, and length based on style and school preferences.

Common Belt Ranking Systems

While belt systems vary across styles and schools, most follow a general progression from white (beginner) to black (advanced), with several color steps in between. Here are some typical examples:

Karate / Taekwondo (Common Progression)

  • White
  • Yellow
  • Orange
  • Green
  • Blue
  • Brown
  • Black (and degrees beyond)

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Adult Progression)

  • White
  • Blue
  • Purple
  • Brown
  • Black
  • (Red/black, red/white, and red belts follow in very advanced ranks)

Judo (General Structure)

  • White
  • Yellow
  • Orange
  • Green
  • Blue
  • Brown
  • Black (with multiple dans)

Note: Youth systems often include stripes, tags, or extra colors to show intermediate progress.

Types of Martial Arts Belts

1. Standard Cotton Belts

  • Most common and cost-effective
  • Made of thick cotton with multiple stitched rows for durability
  • Used in karate, judo, taekwondo, and many youth programs

2. Rank Belts with Stripes or Tags

  • Used in youth programs to show progress between belt levels
  • May include black or colored stripes stitched or taped on

3. Premium Training Belts

  • Higher density materials and extra stitching for long-term use
  • Often used by advanced students or black belts

4. Competition Belts

  • Sometimes lighter in weight, used for tournament wear
  • May have different logos or markings for regulation purposes

5. Black Belts and Degree Belts

  • Often embroidered with names, ranks, or school names
  • Higher quality with satin-like finishes or special construction
  • May include red or white borders to indicate advanced ranks

Choosing the Right Size

Martial arts belts are typically sized by length. Here’s how to choose the right one:

  • Check with your instructor or dojo first — different schools have preferred tie styles and length preferences.
  • Belt length usually correlates with waist size and uniform size.
  • Most belts are measured in inches or centimeters and range from around 80 to 160 inches (200 to 400 cm).

General Tip: A properly sized belt should wrap around your waist twice and leave about 8–12 inches hanging after the knot on both sides.

Color Meanings

While meanings vary slightly by style and organization, general symbolism includes:

  • White: Beginning, innocence, new student
  • Yellow/Orange: Growing knowledge, dawn of learning
  • Green/Blue: Growth, deepening understanding
  • Brown: Maturity, readiness for refinement
  • Black: Mastery of basics, beginning of deeper study

Each belt color represents a step in the martial artist’s personal development — mentally, physically, and technically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy my own belt?
Often, yes. Some schools include belts with uniforms or promotions, but many require students to purchase their own.

Can I wear any belt I want?
No. Belts are awarded through testing or promotion. You should only wear the belt that corresponds to your current rank, as determined by your instructor or organization.

Are martial arts belts machine washable?
Most cotton belts can be washed, but it’s best to check with your instructor. In some traditions, belts are never washed as a symbolic gesture of preserving knowledge.

What’s the difference between youth and adult belts?
Youth belts may include more colors or stripes to encourage motivation. Adult programs typically have fewer colors and focus on skill progression through standardized ranks.

A martial arts belt is a badge of honor earned through consistent training and effort. Whether you’re selecting a first belt for a child or upgrading to a high-quality black belt, choosing the right fit, length, and style helps maintain both tradition and function.