Belts?

Why even have belts as part of a martial arts uniform?

From    http://www.apparelsearch.com/definitions/clothing/belt_definition.htm  :
A belt is a flexible band, made of either leather or a type of cloth, worn around the waist, generally serving the purpose of supporting clothing items that would otherwise become too loose, particularly trousers. A belt can also be for the purpose of style and decoration. 

Some may argue that a martial arts belt serves to keep a uniform top closed, but that is really not the primary purpose.

Belts serve as markers for the martial artist.  They are sign posts designed to aid the students in having an understanding of where they are, where they are headed, and what is needed as they move along in their particular martial arts journey.

The colors are not arbitrary, nor are they set in stone.  Different martial arts, styles within those arts, and even individual schools within those styles, may use different colors, orders of the colors, and assigned meanings to those belts.  

My personal opinion is that having a belt system - while not absolutely necessary - really is useful.

We must keep in mind however, that a belt ranking is a tool for the martial artist, not the goal. The person wearing the belt needs to give it meaning and value, not the other way around.

Respectfully,

Kathy Wiz