The Symbolic White Belt

Thank you for choosing to read this paper, it was written specifically to be of aid to you.

You've finally signed up for a martial arts and have received your brand new white belt. Did you know that belt is steeped in martial arts history? Traditionally, a student would keep the same belt and when the belt was black from sweat, dirt, and blood, they were considered to be a master. There are many bits of martial arts history that you don't know as a white belt.

True, when you signed up for martial arts traditional training you didn't sign up to be housekeeper for the dojo, but as with any martial arts traditional training, there is always a deeper meaning to any action or request.

Let's take a look at the act of bowing. When you enter a dojo (martial arts school), you are asked to bow. In general, bowing is a sign of respect. It is like shaking hands or saying "thank you." You bow to the shrine to show respect to the founders of your particular style and you bow to your Sensei, instructors and fellow students to show respect as well. It isn't just harassing the new white belt student; there's actual meaning and respect behind the action.

As a white belt, you are expected to do what your instructors tell you to do and do it without question (within reason, of course). When your instructors first started their martial arts traditional training, they had to do their fair share of sweeping floors and dusting trophy shelves. The obvious reason for this is to show pride in your dojo and keep it clean. The second is a little more philosophical. Each day before class starts, the floor is swept. Each person to arrive takes their turn at sweeping before they stretch and get ready for that day's class. Sweeping is a reminder that we must also clear the debris from our minds before we practice. Now is not the time to be thinking about deadlines, tomorrow's report or yesterday's supplies that should have been ordered. You need "mushin" -- an empty mind.

All of this can be carried from the dojo into your everyday life. You can learn how to be calm and respectful in situations that might prompt you to be otherwise. Martial arts in itself is meant to be an overall lifestyle, not just another exercise class. The teachings you learn from your instructors are taught with the intended to be applied to your personal life outside the dojo walls. Learning how to balance the body, mind and spirit is the primary responsibility of the white belt. As a white belt, you are laying the foundation for your future training.

If you can master the simple things as a white belt and build on each lesson, no matter how trivial it might seem at the time, you will make for a true martial artist. This author still remembers the student creed of the Goju Te Honbu-Dojo: develop yourself in a positive manner, develop self-discipline to bring out the best in yourself and others and to use what you learn in class, constructively and defensively, to help yourself and your fellow man and to never be abusive or defensive.

Well thanks for your time and effort reviewing this article until next time happy reading.

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