nous fighting systems and eclectic mar-
tial arts of other cultures followed suit.
In Kanô’s system and others based on it
(e.g., karate, taekwondo), distinctions
are made between lower levels (kyû
[class] in Japanese systems—e.g., nikyû,
meaning “second class”), who wear col-
ored belts (e.g., green, brown) to signify
rank, and upper levels (dan [grade]—
e.g., shôdan, meaning “first grade”),
who wear black belts. In the kyûs there
is considerable variation in belt color
from system to system, as well as vary-
ing interpretations of the symbolic
meanings of the various belt colors. In
the Japanese model and systems derived
from it, progress is denoted by descend-
ing order through the classes (signified
by white or colored belts). Therefore,
sankyû(third class) is lower in rank
than nikyû (second class), for example.
The grades (signified by a black belt)
denote rank through ascending order
from shôdan (first grade) to nidan (sec-
ond grade) and so forth. It is common
to promote through the first ranks of the black belt level on the basis of
proficiency in the art; fifth grade is often regarded as the apex for promo-
tion on technical skills. Thereafter, however, promotions in grade are based
on contributions to the art. Commonly, the highest grades of an art are be-
stowed on a teacher by students in recognition of self-mastery, creation or
development of the system, or similar unique contributions.
Most contemporary styles that have followed the Japanese lead in in-
dicating rank by color do so by means of the method put forth by Kanô,
by the color of a flat cloth belt worn looped around the waist on the out-
side of the practitioner’s jacket. There are exceptions, however. In the Re-
gional system of Brazilian capoeira developed by Manoel dos Reis
Machado in the 1930s, rank is displayed by the cordão(cord), a rope made
of braided cords. The cordão is worn through the belt loops on the uni-
form. In contemporary French savate,rank is indicated by a colored band
or patch worn on the gloves used for sparring.
The latter decades of the twentieth century saw the increasing adop-
tion of systems derived from Kanô’s method, not only in Japanese budô,446 Rank
Taekwondo students
wear colored belts
to indicate their
rank within the
system, Darjeeling,
India. (Earl &
Nazima Kowali/
Corbis)