Do traditional Chinese martial arts use belts to denote rank?

Question

As far as I know, Chinese kung fu does not use colored belts to mark ranks, only Japanese arts like Karate or Judo. But why do some modern schools claiming to teach kung fu use belts and even keikogi's (karate uniform)? Is it because the wider Western public is familiar with this system? Is it simply easier and more convenient to have belts to denote rank than to not? Could someone please explain this for me. I apologize if someone else has already asked this question.

Answer 1

No, in China they don't use any belts to denote rank. In the traditional way your level is usually decided by your master. When your master think you've learned enough, he will send you down the hill. Then you have to travel all around to help the weak and practice your skill. After several years practice, you can to back to report.

Answer 2

Chinese systems in China have no belt. Belt ranking is a western creation, we like to be updated as to our progress.
As far as dress goes,
Ranking depends on the system's founder period. San Soo has 5 colored belts then degree's of black. As for dress, no actual Western Uniform was ever delegated as the one. Each school being open to choice with many variables as to the strength of the material, not the style as you are stating.
A Karate Gi or a Kung Fu silk dress up would do a San Shou person little good, after a few months of throws it would be torn and ragged.

Answer 3

belts are for holding your gi together or holding up your pants. Belt rank is a western invention to give the student's several short term goals to strive for. Plus a way for instructors to make a little extra money for belt tests...lol

Answer 4

The ranking system is a Western invention.

Answer 5

Although the shaolin do not use belts most kung fu schools do

Answer 6

To the best of my knowledge they are not used in any original types of Taijichuan.

Answer 7

the style i done only had black sash.

Answer 8

yes.they do.