Why Gold Was Chosen as a Colour in Jissenkō Ryū Karate - By Sensei Liam Musiak

When people see gold used at senior levels in Jissenkō Ryū Karate, a common question follows:

“Why gold?”

“Why not another colour?”

“Why not something completely different?”

That is a fair question — and it deserves a clear answer.

The purpose of colour in a belt system

In any martial art, belt colour is not decoration. It exists to communicate information quickly and clearly.

A good belt colour should:

• Be immediately recognisable

• Carry meaning without explanation

• Fit naturally within the visual language of the system

• Remain serious and timeless

If a colour requires constant explanation or looks theatrical, it does not belong in a grading structure.

Why not multiple colours or a “rainbow” approach

Some modern systems experiment with bright, mixed, or unconventional colours at senior levels. While that may suit certain environments, it was never appropriate for Jissenkō Ryū Karate.

A “rainbow” or novelty colour approach creates several problems:

• It weakens the seriousness of senior rank

• It turns responsibility into display

• It draws attention to appearance rather than conduct

• It ages poorly and quickly looks dated

Senior grades should feel quieter, not louder.

At the highest levels, the system should visually simplify, not become more complex.

Why gold works where others do not

Gold stands apart from other colours for one key reason: it already carries universal meaning.

Across cultures, gold represents:

• Value earned over time

• Permanence rather than trend

• Refinement rather than aggression

• Something entrusted, not consumed

It is not a “fashion colour”.

It is not tied to youth, novelty, or intensity.

That makes it suitable for senior responsibility.

Why not another single colour

Other single colours were considered and rejected for clear reasons.

Bright colours suggest energy and movement, which suit early training but not custodianship.

Dark colours beyond black add little clarity.

Unusual colours invite questions that distract from purpose.

Gold, by contrast, is instantly understood. It does not require justification or explanation. People already know what it symbolises.

Gold complements black, not replaces it

Another reason gold was chosen is that it works alongside black, not against it.

Black remains the foundation of the system.

Gold appears only where responsibility broadens.

The two colours together communicate continuity and refinement without breaking the visual language of karate.

Colour should reduce noise, not add it

One of my core principles in designing Jissenkō Ryū Karate is that systems should reduce unnecessary noise.

At senior levels, there should be:

• Fewer colours

• Clearer meaning

• Less visual clutter

Gold achieves that. It is restrained, deliberate, and stable.

Final thought

Gold was not chosen to impress.

It was chosen because it is one of the few colours that carries meaning without needing explanation.

In a belt system, colour should clarify, not confuse.

Gold does that.

Not because it is flashy.

But because it is quiet, permanent, and universally understood.

And yes, I’ll admit it — gold does look cool.

But if it was only about looking awesome, it wouldn’t belong in the system at all.

— Sensei Liam Musiak 🥋