46. Tying your Martial Arts Belt

craigatcobra
Jan 1, 2019
2 min read

Master's Message children's class discussion topic of the week.

Tying your belt evenly and neatly is important for several reasons, both practical and symbolic:

1. Respect for Martial Arts and tradition

Martial Arts is rooted in discipline, etiquette, and respect. A neatly tied belt shows you take your training seriously and honor the traditions of the martial art.

2. Personal discipline

A tidy belt reflects a disciplined mindset. It shows attention to detail, self-control, and a commitment to doing things properly, which are core values in martial arts and should flow into your work and life.

3. Functionality and safety

An evenly tied belt stays in place better during training, helping keep your uniform neat and in order, and prevents distractions and tripping hazards.

4. Presentation during grading

During belt tests appearance is especially important. A neat belt contributes to a good first impression and demonstrates readiness, your seriousness and your respect for the event.

We do not wash our belt.

This practice has both symbolic and historical reasons:

1. Symbolic Meaning

Your belt represents your journey. Over time, your belt becomes worn and stained through hard work, sweat and maybe even tears and blood, representing or preserving your effort, experience, energy, spirit and dedication.
Washing it is traditionally and symbolically viewed as "washing away" your progress, energy, spiritual essence, or the lessons you've learned through training.
As we tie the knot in our belt we symbolically and energetically release all stresses and distractions of the day (and our life) as we breathe out. This is a meditative process to clear the mind of thought, so we can 100% focus on the martial arts class about to start and give it undivided 100% effort.

2. Historical Roots

In the early days of martial arts, belts were often the same color (white), and they naturally darkened with sweat, dirt, mud, grass stains and age. Over time, this created a belief that a white belt turns black through many years of training, the black belt symbolising mastery.

There are many ways of tying a martial arts belt, however we teach one way, the easiest way for children to remember when they purchase their uniform.

Please ensure your belt is even length on both sides, forms a single row at the back and is tied tightly so it does not come undone during class. You can use any method to tie your belt, as long as these three points are met. We teach beginners a simple method when they purchase their uniform which is the easiest to remember.

Please remember, that it is only the belt that we do not wash, not the uniform. Many years ago, one student misunderstood and also did not wash his uniform for many years, wondering why nobody would partner with him in class.