Belt Auction

Do worn/frayed belts in Karate indicate a level of skill?

I know some people think a belt that has wear shows time spent training and indicates skill. I know this isn't usually true, but it can be. I knew a karate instructor who actually picked at his belt to make it seem he trained harder. Not everybody is so pathetic though. What do you think?

Public Comments

1. No. It just indicates use, or supposedly does. I know a guy who actually took his belt and rubbed it around a pine tree to wear it down. We used to make fun of him for it. He was a grown man at the time which was the worst part about it. Personally, I only wear my belt when I am at formal events, the same is with my well stained gi top. I have dojo shirts and wear them when practicing, but don't wear my belt. I really wouldn't be surprised at the actual number of people who do things to their belts for the purpose of seeming seasoned.
2. I know some really good instructors that wear worn black belts. but they are good and have worn the belt that way over many years of simply wearing it while they train and teach. Then I know of others that have done things to make their belt look worn. However, no matter which way the belt got that way, one thing is for sure....... I can spot the guys that are good and the ones that are trying to fake it as soon as they do anything. Ability and confidence in the martial arts are things that you can't fake. Maybe newbies might be fooled, but those that know what is what, can spot a faker a mile away. .....
3. it don't RELY show you anything about the fighter his or herself it just shows that they need a new belt lol
4. I would think it would be disrespecful to your dojo to look like a slob .
5. That is pretty pathetic, although I do believe that worn / frayed belts indicate a level of experience, not necessarily skill. For my black belt promotion I had to perform a Kumite with an 80 year old man, his belt was worn to pieces. He had more time training than anyone.
6. At one time it may have but today people are known to frey their belt on purpose to give a false look for skill and ability. There is a method of looking at a belt and determining if it was normal wear and tear or if it was faked but it is not always accurate. Regardless I know some old karate guys who have a faded, shredded and worn belt that still aren't very good at Karate so I would have to state no it does not...at least not anymore. I agree that it is just shows that the person has worn the same belt for a long time...if it is authentic wear and tear that is.