The Martial arts belt is one of the most common pieces of the martial arts uniform. While different arts may have different types and styles of uniforms - From the commonly seen tops and pants of karate uniforms to the more elaborate jackets, shorts and shirts of different styles, most disciplines will wear a belt, sash or something around the waist. While definitely having a functional aspect, like a karate beltholding up one’s pants or keeping your gi top in place, the belt can also be used as a weapon. I have seen the belt used to wrap around and choke an opponent and in some cases it has been used to entangle an enemies weapons. But there is a deeper meaning to the belt as well.
The other purpose is to signify rank. Almost all schools and traditions agree that the White Belt is for beginners and the Black Belt is for the master. Other than that, belt colors and markings can have more meanings than you could possibly imagine. Normally, students start out as a white belt and work their way up to the much coveted black belt. Some think the idea of the white/black belt came from ancient practitioners who started with a white belt and through training ended up with a black belt. That is also why some martial arts schools do not want you to wash your belt.
Each tradition will have its own idea as to the color progression and significance of that color. While wearing the traditional karate uniform, one school that I attended for a short period of time, used the following idea for their belt progression:
White - New beginning. Without blemish. Pure
Yellow- Action. Beginning of movements.
Green- Continued Growth. The student grows in their skills.
Red- Fire. The student begins to hone their knowledge in refining fire.
Black- A new beginning. The combination of all the colors. The student has achieved a level in which they can train themselves and others.
Most martial arts disciplines agree that the black belt is really just the beginning of understanding the art. Once a black belt is reached, the student has a true understanding of the meaning and fundamentals, but is only just starting their quest for mastery. As a matter of fact, mastery may never be achieved, but it is something to be strived for. As has been discussed, whether it is a belt of sash, one of the most basic pieces of almost all martial arts uniforms is the belt. Its use and meaning is quite important to the world to practitioners of almost every discipline.