I received a nice DM from one of our USA Belay program belayers in Southern California:
"Like in martial arts, we should have colored belts for belaying. You would have the white/red belt."
– Rick S.
It was nice and very generous message but I had no idea what it meant – so I looked it up:
"Around 1930, the Kodokan created a new belt ("obi") to recognize the special achievements of high ranking black belts. Jigoro Kano chose to recognize sixth, seventh, and eighth degree black belts with a special obi made of alternating red and white panels (kōhaku obi - literally translated as "red and white belt"). The white color was chosen for purity, and red for the intense desire to train and the sacrifices made. The colors red and white are an enduring symbol of Japan, and they have been used in Judo since Jigoro Kano started the first Red and White Tournament in 1884."
[clicky]
Dear, sweet Rick.
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