About the Study of Kung Fu...

What is the significance of the black belt or sash?
Today the black belt or sash is given to martial arts students that have reached an advanced level of skill. In it's historical sense, the black belt signifies that this student has "put in his time" to learn the art. In ancient times, a student in training would wear a plain white belt when beginning training. Over the course of months and years, the white belt would become increasingly dark and dirty. By the time a beginner had mastered his art, his once pristine white belt was now black. When ranking systems began to be developed, the Black Belt was reserved as the mark of a long-time student in honor of this tradition.

See Also:

• Which style should I study?
• Rankings and Color Belt Systems
• How long would it take me to get a black belt (or it's equivalent)?
• Should children study Kung Fu?
   
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