Belts are part of every martial arts tradition. While most people know they represent rank and level, they signify so much more than that. Which is why it’s so important to tie your belt evenly.

Your belt is supposed to hang evenly on both sides, because the sides represent mind and body. When you tie them evenly, you embody the centeredness, the balance, that you seek to bring about in your martial arts practice. This evenness also represents the balance between practice and theory, between effort and effortlessness, between strength and ease.

The belt crosses over the belly button, which signifies that martial arts empower you to give, receive, and end life. When you set your belt across your belly button, you take ethical responsibility for this task.

Finally, the last step when you tie your belt is the knot. The knot symbolizes our resolve and strength. Each time we cinch the knot, we solidify our commitment.  And, if we’ve done our work right, both sides of our belt now hang evenly on each side. 🙂

Of course, the act of tying your belt aligns with the philosophy of the Tao, which emphasizes mind-body awareness and mind-body-spirit integration. The Tao’s influence on the ninja is prevalent. Just one quick example of this is the ninja rank of jonin, who served as the head of the clan. A jonin was called to be a warrior-philosopher, one who had mastered the balance between mind and body.

Of course, the color of the belts symbolize deeper meanings, also. These natural colors mimic the stages of life of a plant or any growing thing. If you’ve ever wondered about them, here’s a list from the Taekwondo Network:

White Belt:

The lack of color signifies purity and innocence. The novice has no knowledge of tae kwon do.

Yellow Belt:

The color of the rising sun. Seeds in the ground begin to germinate and grow. Here, basic tae kwon do techniques begin to be learned.

Green Belt:

The color of growing things that all can see. So power begins to develop.

Blue / Purple Belt:

The color of the sky which growing things reach for. Physical and mental power starts to stabilize.

Brown Belt:

The color of the ground where growing things are rooted firmly. Stability of physical and mental power is apparent.

Red / Bodan Belt:

The color of blood, the essential life force. Maturity, honor and respect are exhibited as character begins to perfect.

Black Belt:

Black is the combination of all color. This is the final stage where technique is mastered within the humble and serene beauty of the plant.

After years of being a black belt, the edges begin to fray, and the color white becomes visible once more, completing a circle. This is a beautiful depiction of the Eastern philosophical understanding of space, or the Void, where unity and totality is reached.

So, the next time you tie your belt, if you’re a martial artist, be mindful of the meaning behind your actions. And be sure to tie it evenly!