✦ Member
← Arsenal

WABUKAN Arsenal · Uniforms and tradition · Japan

Black belt

Jigoro Kano introduced the dan ranks and the black belt in judo in the 1880s. A black belt marks the end of the basics, not mastery.

Black belt
Black belt WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

黒帯 · kuro-obi; shodan

Origin and history

The black belt as a rank symbol comes from judo: Kanō Jigorō introduced dan grades in the 1880s and black sashes for dan holders shortly after. Karate adopted the dan/kyū system in the 1920s, and it spread to taekwondo, BJJ and many other arts.

Martial arts that use it

Judo Karate Taekwondo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Construction

A cotton belt, usually several layers stitched together, tied with a square knot. In many arts stripes or embroidered text show the dan level and the owner’s name.

Basic techniques

Training

Uniforms and traditional items are “trained” through etiquette: how to wear, fold, tie and care for them is taught alongside technique and is part of each art’s culture.

Safety

Keep it clean and dry, check seams and knots, and make sure nothing hangs loose that could catch fingers or toes during training.

Legality (general information)

This is training or traditional equipment, not a weapon, and is generally free to buy and own. Clubs and federations may still set rules on approved models and condition. General information, not legal advice.

Did you know?

A black belt (shodan) is often described in Japan as the start of serious study, not the end.

More weapons

Berimbau Mawashi Keikogi (gi) Hakama

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Black belt (martial arts)
  2. Wikipedia — Dan (rank)