Martial Arts Blog

The Belts of Taekwondo

Jimmy Taylor — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:01:30 +0000

In taekwondo the color of the belts vary, as they signify the progression of rank, and how well the student is advancing. It can be a long and labored time for the student to move up the ranks, and the amount of time it takes will depend on there knowledge and how well they adapt to learning the different techniques of the art. Below are listed the different colors and belts in this martial art along with what they mean.

White belt
The white belt symbolizes birth or the beginning for the stylist. Students who wear this belt are just on the start of there road of learning and picking up as much knowledge as they can about this fighting sytem so they can continue learning.

Yellow belt.
A yellow belt signifies the first ray of sunshine to fall on the student, giving them new power to continue progressing with this martial art. Students who have a yellow belt have taken a big step in knowledge and broadened there minds about this great style of fighting and defense.

Green belt
A green belt shows the student is growing, or that a seed has been planted and is beginning to grow into a plant. A green belt symbolizes the students are continuing to progress down the road of learning with this martial art and are redefining and improving there techniques that they have learned.

Blue belt
Blue belt is representative of the sky and that the plant is continuing to grow and is heading towards the sky. Students with blue belts are increasing there knowledge of this style more and more and are moving higher up in the ranks with the plant growing higher and higher. As this stage more information on the art will be learned so the student progresses even more so.

Red belt.
The red belt is the symbol of the sun with increasing strength giving energy to the plant to grow even more. Students with red belts are higher up in rank and the plant is continuing its growth towards the sun. Red belts also caution students to be careful at this point as there knowledge and techniques have progressed to such a rate.

Black belt
Black belt is as high as you can go. The black symbolizes the darkness that is out there which is beyond the light of the sun. When a student is given a black belt they can begin to start teaching other students. Black belts can see who are the best students. Black belts can train others and proceed in the never ending cycle of improving ones training.

Martial Arts Uniforms: Getting the Right Fit

Jimmy Taylor — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:08:45 +0000

The type of uniform you need depends upon the type of martial arts training you’re taking. For example, karate uniforms are significantly different than judo uniforms. In the Japanese practice of judo, the judoka uses his opponent’s strength against him, and therefore needs a thick jacket that is difficult to grab. For that reason, judo uniforms – or judogi – typically consist of a pants and a quilted cotton jacket that is much thicker than karate jackets. There are also single weave jackets, which are lighter and more useful in long practice sessions to prevent overheating, and thick double weave jackets that are essential for competition.

In contrast to karate uniforms, judo uniforms, and tae kwon do uniforms, which are cotton and feature a crossover front with a belt closure, traditional kung fu jackets are typically made from silk and feature a front button closure. Those practicing kendo – the Japanese equivalent of fencing – usually wear a hakama and a kimono.

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Styles of Martial Arts

Clara — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 08:31:16 +0000

Once you’ve decided that you want to start training a martial art, you’ll need to decide which one is best for you. Of course, your choice might be dictated by the schools available in your area, but if you’re lucky you’ll have the choice of at least a few different types. There are many different types of martial arts (and even variations within the basic types) so it’s important to make sure that you research the techniques and features to find the best fit for your lifestyle and needs. This general explanation of the six most popular styles in the United States can help you get started on the decision.

It’s also important to note that there are as many interpretations of the martial arts styles as there are instructors. Students also interpret the class differently than other students in the same class, so other people’s opinions are not always the best determiner of what style you should pursue. While you are trying to find the martial art that’s right for you, it is helpful to also try a few classes to get a feel for the style, instructor and school.