Left: Frank Buchonville and Jack Molesko, New Jersey, with Demura Shihan

Right: Anthony Sorrentino,
Michigan, and Paul Sabella, Pennsylvania

In martial arts, we all tie belts around our waists, but few of us understand what they represent. The meaning of our belts and the grading system they represent seem, at best, confusing. Some think belts indicate skill level or expertise. Others think they are misleading and only represent  imported bits of oriental culture. Still others feel that belts and rank are inflated symbols of ego. Who is right? What do ranks and the belts linked to rank represent? Are they worthless, or are they meaningful symbols of the energy of years of dedication and hard work?

(Continued on page 13)