In recent years many martial arts schools have developed a new ranking system which has proved to be able to monitor student's progress more precisely than the traditional 9-belt ranking system. Specifically this new system is the old 9-belt system with nine more ranks represented by 9 striped ranks added to it. The belts are 100% cotton and offered in a variety of colors. These belts are strong and firm yet soft enough to tie easily. Our belts are approximately 1 3/4" wide and are strong and firm yet soft enough to tie easily. All belts are clean stitched all the way around the belt for smooth finish and no rough edges.