Levels of Belts in Martial Arts

While there is no universal order to the colors used or the levels that they represent, there is a commonality in the system of belts used among students of martial arts disciplines to distinguish their ranks. A good rule of thumb is that the level of rank begins with the white belt and progresses from light to dark colors.

  1. Novice Students

    • White is used universally as the beginner's belt. It represents an innocent student entering the martial arts discipline void of knowledge, as the belt is void of color. Yellow belts represent an earthen element, showing that the student wearing this color has begun to create a firm foundation of knowledge and technique. Orange belts signify a transition, like the changes of Autumn, and show that a student has a firm understanding of his or her chosen discipline and is ready for the next level of knowledge.

    Intermediate Students

    • Green belts represent growing students, who like young seedlings are strengthening their roots in the foundation of what they've already learned as well as branching out to learn more about what they can achieve. Blue belts remind intermediate students to continue reaching for the sky as they continue practicing their chosen martial arts discipline. Purple belts also represent change, as the color is reminiscent of a transitioning sky into dawn or dusk so the martial arts student is on the verge of expertise.

    Advanced Students

    • Brown belts typically represent an advanced student who is refining his or her skills and perfecting technique on their path to becoming an expert martial artist. Red is the color that most often breaks the traditional progression pattern, as as this color almost always represents either the second to last or most advanced rank in the martial arts discipline. The color of blood, red belts signify a student of extreme prowess and danger, and stands as a warning to less knowledgeable students against a red belt wearer's advanced technique, control of power and overall wisdom. Black belts represent a student at the most advanced level, that is a mature expert who has mastered the basic curriculum, techniques and principles of his or her chosen martial arts discipline.