Your karate belt shows how far you have progressed as a karateka, which you can tell from the color, the type of material used, and the type of knot you make. Wearing the right belt is just as important as showing your opponent your best karate move. Continue reading to find out how to buy ProForce® karate belts from AWMA, which will earn your opponent's respect.
Using the Right Color
In karate, the various belt colors symbolize the stages of your growth as a practitioner. Progression through the ranks, from white to black, mirror the student's journey from newcomer to master. Most karate teachers hold black belts. Even though a black belt is the highest belt, many say that when you earn your black belt, your journey is just truly beginning; indeed, having mastered the fundamental techniques, black belts endeavor to gain deeper, philosophical, and conceptual insights into their art. Choose the right belt color according to your level of advancement and promotion under your instructor according to this order:
• White
• Yellow
• Orange
• Blue
• Green
• Purple
• Brown
• Red
• Black
Getting the Right Size
Your belt must fit securely and comfortably. In general, your karate belt size is the same as your uniform size, but there are some cases where you may want a larger belt or need to buy a new one. ProForce® Thunder belts come in a double-wrap style, where the belt wraps around your body twice before being tied. In order to get the correct size for a double wrap belt, take a tailor’s tape and wrap it around your waist where you want to wear the belt. Multiply this measurement by three, and select the belt length that is closest to this number.
ProForce® Universal Belt Sizing Chart
Size: ProForce® Length
0: 77" / 196 cm
1: 83" / 211 cm
2: 88" / 224 cm
3: 96" / 244 cm
4: 105" / 267 cm
5" 112" / 284 cm
6: 120" / 305 cm
7: 128" / 325 cm
8: 145" / 368 cm
9: 160" / 406 cm
Choosing the Type of Outer Material
You can choose from three different types of outer material for belts. Each has its own particular properties.
• Cotton
• Satin
• Silk
The advantage of the 100-percent cotton outer material is that it is the most traditional. The color fades naturally over the course of your training journey, and the belt ages beautifully. It also has very good durability and tends to tie better than with other materials because there is more friction and less slip of the knot. Consider the ProForce® 2-inch belt from AWMA if this is your choice.
The advantage of the satin outer material, like the ProForce® 2-inch embroidered satin belt, is that it has a sophisticated and shiny look. It retains its deep color for a longer period of time. It also has good durability and doesn't fade or fray as much.
The advantage of the silk outer is that it is undoubtedly the best-looking belt and is truly a luxury. It has a nice shine (but not glare) and ages the most beautifully. It can offer a faded, experienced look that is desired by many people. Because of the delicacy of the material it tends to sit the most naturally of the three types, and it is the most malleable. However, silk belts are also the least durable.
Choosing the Belt Width and Thickness
Choosing the width and thickness of your belt is also an important decision before purchasing one. Thinner belts have the advantage that they are cheaper and easier to tie and keep in place. Thicker and wider belts work great with heavier weight uniforms. They also have the advantage that they look much better and are more durable. Thicker belts are probably a better long-term investment if you plan to really commit to learning the art of Karate. In order to know how thick a belt is, check how many stitching lines it has. More lines of stitching means it is thicker and stiffer.
Using the Right Color
In karate, the various belt colors symbolize the stages of your growth as a practitioner. Progression through the ranks, from white to black, mirror the student's journey from newcomer to master. Most karate teachers hold black belts. Even though a black belt is the highest belt, many say that when you earn your black belt, your journey is just truly beginning; indeed, having mastered the fundamental techniques, black belts endeavor to gain deeper, philosophical, and conceptual insights into their art. Choose the right belt color according to your level of advancement and promotion under your instructor according to this order:
• White
• Yellow
• Orange
• Blue
• Green
• Purple
• Brown
• Red
• Black
Getting the Right Size
Your belt must fit securely and comfortably. In general, your karate belt size is the same as your uniform size, but there are some cases where you may want a larger belt or need to buy a new one. ProForce® Thunder belts come in a double-wrap style, where the belt wraps around your body twice before being tied. In order to get the correct size for a double wrap belt, take a tailor’s tape and wrap it around your waist where you want to wear the belt. Multiply this measurement by three, and select the belt length that is closest to this number.
ProForce® Universal Belt Sizing Chart
Size: ProForce® Length
0: 77" / 196 cm
1: 83" / 211 cm
2: 88" / 224 cm
3: 96" / 244 cm
4: 105" / 267 cm
5" 112" / 284 cm
6: 120" / 305 cm
7: 128" / 325 cm
8: 145" / 368 cm
9: 160" / 406 cm
Choosing the Type of Outer Material
You can choose from three different types of outer material for belts. Each has its own particular properties.
• Cotton
• Satin
• Silk
The advantage of the 100-percent cotton outer material is that it is the most traditional. The color fades naturally over the course of your training journey, and the belt ages beautifully. It also has very good durability and tends to tie better than with other materials because there is more friction and less slip of the knot. Consider the ProForce® 2-inch belt from AWMA if this is your choice.
The advantage of the satin outer material, like the ProForce® 2-inch embroidered satin belt, is that it has a sophisticated and shiny look. It retains its deep color for a longer period of time. It also has good durability and doesn't fade or fray as much.
The advantage of the silk outer is that it is undoubtedly the best-looking belt and is truly a luxury. It has a nice shine (but not glare) and ages the most beautifully. It can offer a faded, experienced look that is desired by many people. Because of the delicacy of the material it tends to sit the most naturally of the three types, and it is the most malleable. However, silk belts are also the least durable.
Choosing the Belt Width and Thickness
Choosing the width and thickness of your belt is also an important decision before purchasing one. Thinner belts have the advantage that they are cheaper and easier to tie and keep in place. Thicker and wider belts work great with heavier weight uniforms. They also have the advantage that they look much better and are more durable. Thicker belts are probably a better long-term investment if you plan to really commit to learning the art of Karate. In order to know how thick a belt is, check how many stitching lines it has. More lines of stitching means it is thicker and stiffer.