Obi

帯

Belt used to secure the training jacket and indicate technical rank.

Quick Facts

CategoryClothing

Pronunciation/[oh-bee]/

Alternative NamesBelt, Martial arts belt

Definition

The obi serves two core purposes: securing the training jacket and visually denoting technical proficiency. The system of colored belts (Kyu for students, Dan for masters) was introduced by Judo founder Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century. Correctly tying the belt symbolizes center-body alignment at the Hara. Traditionally, the belt is never washed to preserve the symbolic effort gained during practice.

Related Terms

Gi / Keikogi稽古着

Traditional uniform worn for training in Japanese martial arts.

Dobok도복

Traditional uniform worn in Korean martial arts.

Sensei先生

Honorific title for a teacher or instructor in Japanese culture.

Associated Martial Arts

Shotokan Kosen Judo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Yoshinkan Aikido Jundokan Goju-ryu Byakuren Kaikan Seidokaikan Karate Kyokushin Budokai Takamura Shindo Yoshin-ryu Kyushin-ryu Jujutsu Asayama Ichiden-ryu Shinno Shinto-ryu Jujutsu Shindo Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Sekiguchi-ryu Jujutsu Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu Jujutsu Hontai Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Takagi-ryu Jujutsu Jikishin-ryu Jujutsu Shibukawa-ryu Jujutsu Tenjin Shin-ryu Jujutsu Chokushin-ryu Jujutsu Unkei-ryu Jujutsu