Judo belts

Belts Judo on offer at the Sportano shopBelts in judo are not just a practical item of clothing. They represent a long-standing tradition, symbolising the practitioner's level of skill, progress and dedication. They serve not only as an indication of a judoka's level of proficiency, but also as a reminder of the journey he or she has gone through to reach his or her current level.Belt colours and their hierarchy: from white to blackIn the world of judo, belt colour is not just an aesthetic choice. Each colour represents a specific stage in a judoka's development, serving as a physical indicator of progression and of the deep-rooted tradition and philosophy of this martial art. The first colour beginners are confronted with is the white belt. The white belt symbolises purity, ignorance and the beginning of the journey in judo. It is about taking the first steps, learning basic movements and techniques, and understanding the philosophy and ethics of judo. Then, as the judoka progresses, he is promoted to the yellow belt. This colour signifies first achievements, an understanding of the basics and the ability to apply them in practice. Orange belt is the next step, symbolising developing technique and the ability to adapt to a variety of situations during a fight. A green belt is the next level of advancement, showing that the judoka has solid skills and is able to compete against more advanced opponents. A blue belt indicates an advanced level of technique, strategy and tactics. Bronze belt is the stage at which a judoka achieves advanced skills and is ready to compete at a higher level. At this point, training becomes more intense and techniques more complex. A black belt is a symbol of excellence, mastery and a deep understanding of judo. However, even among black belt holders, there is a hierarchy, with successive danas signifying the level of mastery. The black belt is not the end of the road; in fact, for many it is only the beginning of further, more advanced practice and learning. It is worth noting that although the belt colours and their hierarchy described above are universally accepted, there may be some variation from school to school, federation to federation or country to country. Nevertheless, regardless of the specific colour, belts in judo always symbolise progress, commitment and dedication.The process of earning successive degrees: ceremonies and requirementsIn the world of judo, earning successive belts is not just a matter of skill and time spent on the mat. It is a path that requires dedication, discipline and continuous improvement. Each belt colour represents a stage in a judoka's development and, importantly, there are specific requirements and achievements associated with it. To earn a new belt, a judoka must not only prove his or her skills in combat, but also understand the philosophy of judo and apply its principles in everyday life. Examinations for the next ranks often include both practical demonstrations of techniques and theoretical tests of knowledge. The examinations are moments in which the judoka must combine everything they have learned so far and show their full commitment to the art. Belt awarding ceremonies are an important part of judo culture. They are solemn moments that celebrate a judoka's achievements and progress. During the ceremony, an instructor or master presents a new belt to a student, highlighting their progress and encouraging further development.Materials and production techniques: durability meets traditionMaking a judo belt is a process that combines traditional craftsmanship techniques with modern materials to ensure a product of the highest quality. Belts need to be durable to withstand intense training and fighting, but at the same time they need to be comfortable and tailored to the judoka's needs. Traditionally, belts were made from cotton, a material that is durable and resistant to damage. Cotton is also a material that 'breathes', meaning that it absorbs perspiration and allows for breathability. This makes the judoka feel comfortable, even during intense training. Modern technologies and materials, such as synthetic fibres, are also used in the production of belts to provide extra durability and resistance to stretching. Processes such as double stitching and reinforced threads are used to ensure that the belts will stand the test of time. While innovation in manufacturing is important, tradition is still key in the world of judo. Producing a belt is not only a matter of technique, but also a matter of respect for the traditions and philosophies of judo. Many belt manufacturers take pride in their craftsmanship and ensure that each belt is a product of the highest quality.