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I was told that a student of martial arts started with a white belt and used the same belt throughout their training and that they never washed the belt so over time it became darker and eventually black and that the current belt system is based join this graduation from light to dark.

Is this how the modern belt system developed?

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  • The not washing your belt is an urban myth that even a slight knowledge of Japanese culture (or any other culture for that matter) can prove as utter rubbish. A variation (still utter rubbish) is the dying the belt with darker and darker colours. – Sardathrion - against SE abuse Nov 12 '13 at 12:42
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    Actually was started by founder of Judo for training children and allowing them some form to see their progression. Was later adapted by other martial arts for adults and children – AquaAlex Nov 13 '13 at 14:16