Comments on: Displaying martial arts belts – measure of accomplishment OR pride/arrogance?

By: zygomartyr

zygomartyr — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:10:15 +0000

What discipline are the belts from? Unless it’s something legit, like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Kodokan Judo, don’t bother displaying them. They give Karate black belts to kids you know.

By: been there done that

been there done that — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:10:15 +0000

I have a closet full of earned belts. The only thing I have on display are three photos with different sensei and instructors and myself wearing our Gi’s and (latest) black belts. True accomplishment is in the knowing.

By: rockr94

rockr94 — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:10:15 +0000

it’s all in your attitude. your intentions are good; you’re proud of what you accomplished. there’s absolutely nothing wrong or disrespectful about displaying your accomplishment.
it would be different if you were displaying them strictly for the bragging right. you know, if you had them up only so you could show them off to people. that’s wrong.
hang ‘em up…you’ve earned it.

By: Lycann

Lycann — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:10:15 +0000

By all means hang them. It will be a reminder for the two of you and a positive one at that. You aren’t displaying them with the intent of showing off and so I’m sure that your friends and family that may see them will know it isn’t pride or arrogance at all.

If someone sees the display and asks simply mention that your husband and yourself worked hard to earn them and it’s a part of your relationship, hence them being out; otherwise they aren’t good for anything but keep the uniform closed, as you said.

By: Shihan J

Shihan J — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:10:15 +0000

is displaying a trophies you won arrogance, or displaying you collage diploma.
you are right it is a stepping stone but it is no more arrogant or pride full to display them, then any other award or achievement you have earned or won.
there is nothing wrong with it.
while i do not display my belts anymore, all my certificates and trophies are displayed in my dojo which is located in a room inside my house. the only belt i have up there is my black belt when i’m not wearing it.

By: Common

Common — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:10:15 +0000

Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with displaying your belts. To me, its no different than displaying a high school or college diploma – they’re just a symbol of the hard work you put in and the accomplishment at the end. Be proud of what you’ve done.

By: Joe H

Joe H — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:10:15 +0000

Well the true measure of the persons you both have become cannot be completely or accurately measured by a belt display. I understand the level of commitment required to attain martial arts mastery. If it’s for the right reason, as it would appear – go ahead and display them. As a strong symbol of perseverance and dedication, properly displayed they can certainly enhance the right room.
For instance, maybe a home gym or training area?

By: lucky

lucky — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:10:15 +0000

Ones choice to display honor or integrity is never arrogance. All great martial artists display their perserverance, rather it be in material items mounted on a wall, or indomitable spirit mounted in their mind. Your accomplishments make what you are and all that surrounds you.

By: conor

conor — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:10:15 +0000

I don’t see a reason to display them at all. Keep them, of course, like you would keep a photo album, but displaying them only suggests you need reassurance. You should be proud of your accomplishments, but to need to put them on display tells me you are practicing martial arts for the wrong reasons. I don’t believe in putting any measure of accomplishment on display, you start to become your accomplishments and lose your sense of self.

Belt color rankings only came into use in the 1880′s, and are not part of an ancient tradition.

By: shinobi

shinobi — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:10:15 +0000

there is nothing wrong with displaying your belt as long as its done for the right reasons