This month saw the retirement of an old friend of mine - my Shureido obi. I have particular fondness for this belt, as it was the first one made specifically for Do Gakuin. I remember the excitement of ordering this belt directly from Okinawa and knowing the kanji would be correctly embroidered by natives, rather than the ‘hit and miss’ I’ve had on belts embroidered here by Americans. I have accumulated more than a dozen belts over the decades; some were awarded, others were gifted, and some were bought by me, but this one was one of my favorite obis.The whole idea of an obi has different meaning in Okinawan and Japanese culture. The karate gi is based on peasant garb worn in Okinawa. They used a simple belt tied to hold the jacket closed and prevent items tucked inside the fold of the jacket from falling out, as well as hanging tools from the belt. The Japanese used a wider, more elaborate obi as part of their kimono attire. They would often attach a sagemono (a small purse-like pouch) on a cord supported by a netsuke (a small sculptured toggle) through the ties of a hakama (skirt-like pants) or obi.
In Karate, many Samurai characteristics are applied. Like the Samurai sword, the obi was considered to have a spirit and became synonymous with the wearer. To play with a Samurai’s katana was a high insult and was not tolerated. Similarly, the obi is treated with reverence; you do not play with it or let it drag along the ground. I have seen schools who routinely bow to their belts when putting them on, taking them off, or receiving a new rank. The obi also took on the significance of indicating rank. The student begins with a white belt, indicating purity of no knowledge. You never washed your belt, for it retained the remnants of your past training. Regardless of the kyu rank, the student wore a white belt until earning a dan rank and a black belt. Besides the esoteric reason for never washing your belt, it became darker with all the sweat, blood, and dirt ground into it over the years of training. A dark, dirty white belt showed that you’ve been around a while and are no novice. It was through the influence of Prof. Jigoro Kano, founder of Judo and head of the Kodokan, that Funakoshi O-sensei introduced brown belt for 3rd, 2nd, & 1st Kyu. In modern times, many different colors have been added to ranking systems to satisfy our modern impatience with wearing a white belt for years. Regardless of the individual school’s color system, they follow the basic rule of: the darker the color, the higher the rank (symbolic of the dirtier white belt). A Yudansha’s (Black Belt’s) ultimate goal is to revert to white belt - purity of complete knowledge. To this end, advanced black obis are covered in silk or satin, so that it wears off in time, allowing the white core to show through.
Another favorite belt is the ceremonial red and white renshi obi presented to me in 1997 by the Yudansha-kai (Black Belt panel) of Do Gakuin. This was done at my 30th Anniversary Tournament, along with awarding Yon Dan (4th degree) and the title ‘Shihan’. This presentation probably meant the most to me, coming from those who have known me and worked with me for many, many years.
My old Shureido is over 20 years old. Being in my mid-50s now, I decided to treat myself to what will most likely be the last obi I ever get in my lifetime, so I ordered a replacement Shureido directly from the manufacturer in Okinawa. My old friend may make a guest appearance every now and then for special occasions, but I look forward to many years wearing my new friend.
