Strapping on the White Belt

Some have a difficult time strapping on the white belt, especially if they’ve worn it before.  Several individuals have come to me and joined or wanted to join the academy, each with a unique martial history.  And I have to treat each one on a case by case basis. 

In my time, I have strapped on the white belt for each new art I’ve learned.  It seemed obvious.  I never wore my black belt in Judo on the Aikido mat.  Ever.  Or in Seibukan Jujutsu.  Or in BJJ.  It would have presumptuous.  It would have signaled that too much of myself was wrapped around my waist.  That my cup was full. 

We had a nidan in Judo with 27 years experience drop by and watch a class the other night.  I hope he joins, he has a wealth of experience to share.  Of course, I’ll give him a white belt to begin the journey again.  Competent martial artists shouldn’t have a problem with this.  Regardless of what’s around your waist, you’re as good as you are, and experienced eyes judge by the quality of movement rather than color cues.

Nathan is my leader.  He’s a 2 time National Judo champion, and 8 time Oregon State champion.  He strapped on a white belt and is learning BJJ very rapidly.  If he, of all people, can wear a white belt, then no one else has room for argument.  Case closed.  But the one he wears is a little special.  It’s actually my first white belt, the one I was given in Japan, and wore in every art I’ve studied since.  Many hours on the mat have gone into it.  And it won’t be too long before he’s returning it back to me with a blue replacement.