One of the most recognizable symbols in the world of martial arts is the belt.

The color of the belt worn by a practitioner is often used to signify their rank within a specific style of martial arts. However, it's important to note that these belt colors have no universal ranking system within the martial arts community. They simply serve as a means to indicate the level of proficiency and experience of the individual within their chosen style.

The practice of using belts in martial arts can be traced back to Jigoro Kano, the founder of Kodokan Judo.

He initially implemented the use of white and black belts to distinguish the level of his students' abilities within his style. This system was used to differentiate which students were suitable for different activities, such as competition. And as a central focus to Judo training, randori, or sparring, in Judo can be some of the most grueling training in any martial art. So if anyone were to consider are martial arts effective, Kano’s Judo surely crosses the mind. 

Following Kano's introduction of belts, other colors were soon introduced to the martial arts world.

Over time, it became a common practice for different styles to adopt the use of belts as a way to indicate rank and experience. Styles such as Karate, Taekwondo, and others have all adopted the use of belts in their systems. 

However, one of the challenges with using belts as a means of rank is the lack of standardization across different schools. Even if two schools teach the same style, their ranking system and requirements for advancement may vary greatly. This can lead to confusion and inconsistencies in the perceived level of proficiency among practitioners. And although the answer is yes if asked, “Can martial arts be self taught,” to do so and rank oneself alone would not honor the belt systems of each particular style and school.

While the use of belts is a common practice in martial arts, there are styles such as Shoot-fighting and Pit-fighting that do not use them at all.

These styles focus more on self-defense and do not have a ranking system.

The use of belts in martial arts serves as a motivation for practitioners to continue their training and progress through the ranks. The ultimate goal for many martial artists is to attain the coveted black belt, which is widely considered the most prestigious belt in the martial arts world. Obtaining a black belt takes years of dedication and practice as the student moves through the lower ranked belts.

Can martial arts be self-taught?

It is possible, but it is also important to note that the guidance and instruction of a skilled instructor can greatly enhance the learning process and ensure proper technique and safety. Are martial arts effective? They can be, but it ultimately depends on the individual's level of dedication and the quality of instruction they receive. A belt does not determine the effectiveness of the practitioner in all cases.