The Karate Obi History
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by: eilixtechnologies
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The karate belt is fairly new to the world of the Martial Arts. In the beginning there were no ranks, only titles. The Chinese Martial Artists were referred to as a student, instructor, or master. The Okinawans used the titles Renshi(trainer), Kyoshi(teacher), and Hanshi(teacher of teachers) and no other ranks were used.
The ranking system of today was invented by Kano Kigoro, founder of Judo. He invented the kyu/dan system and since the Judo system had been practiced on Okinawa since the 20's it seems logical that it would filter over into other Martial Arts.
Funakoshi Sensei met Kano Sensei when he visited Japan and was impressed with Kano-sama and decided to use the kyu/dan system in his teachings. In 1924 Funakoshi Sensei awarded the first ranks to seven of his students with Karate's first black belt dan, Sho-dan.
Miyagi Sensei was the first karate expert to be awarded the title of Kyoshi. In 1938 the Botoku Kain called a meeting to discuss the standards for awarding rank/promotions. In the 40's and 50's anyone receiving a menjo (rank certificate) had to have a member ot the butoku kai sign the certificate to certify the karate-ka's achievement. This was the beginnings of organizations used to certify and set standards for the styles ranking systems.
Regardless of this the kyu/dan system didn't really take hold on Okinawa until Chibana Sensei formed the Okinawan Karate Association around 1956. Chibana Sensei was the first to name his style formally and named it Shorin-ryu and became the first president of the OKA.
The Japanese Ministry of Education formally recoginzed both Chibana and Toyama Sense as authorized to grant rank.
The original colors uses for the kyu/dan system were white, brown, and black. As time passed green was added in between white and brown. The need for Americans to see all levels of achievement caused a rainbow of colors to be adopted for ranking in a style.
The obi is only a symbol of the skill & character of the karate-ka, turns a student to a disciplined Practioner
About the Author
Sempai Sanjay Raj Black Belt II DAN Okinawa Shorin Ryu Karate Do
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