belt ranking

Colored sash hierarchy

Belt ranking is a system of colored belts indicating skill level, used primarily in martial arts like judo, karate, and taekwondo.

White typically marks beginners, with darker colors representing advancement toward black belt, the highest standard rank.

The system has spread beyond martial arts to indicate proficiency levels in other disciplines: She earned her green belt in Six Sigma.

Opposites

structured vs unstructured skill assessment

Unregulated urban combat

external validation vs self-assessment

Evaluating your own performance

hierarchical vs egalitarian structure

Organization with few levels

Family