Karate Belt Order: Ranks, Training, and Style Comparison

How long does it really take to earn a black belt in Karate? Explore the various types of Karate, compare it to Taekwondo for children, and understand the technical progression through the colored belt system.

Two athletes are doing paired karate exercises

What Do the Karate Belt Colors Mean?

Published Jul,08 2011 | By Gwen Bruno

Awarding various colored belts to signify the achievement of new levels of expertise in karate (and other martial arts) is a relatively recent tradition. The colored belt is said to have been created by Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, in 1888.The practice was then adapted into other martial arts, including karate.