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This came by way of Greg Silva of United Professionals.

I thought this was an interesting idea. The concept originated with GM Ed Parker one of the most successful and creative minds in the martial arts. Here is my basic spin on it.

Basically he would have the new belts placed in front of the students and they would take off the old belt and carefully fold it. Then lay it next to the old belt to form the letter 'L'

Then the instructor would speak about the four 'L's:

Loyalty - Loyal to your family, friends, country and your martial arts school. Your instructors put a lot of time into teaching you martial arts and this is a reminder to be loyal to those whom helped you.

Lie - Is it a lie? In other words when you wear this belt BE THIS BELT! Don't wear an orange belt and behave unlike and orange belt should, that would be living a lie. Behave as a martial artist should wear the belt with honor and honor your teachers and your school by being a shining example for everyone that sees you.

Longevity - Longevity is how long you live, through martial arts training we learn to live healthier and safer lives, adding quality years to our lives. By exercising, eating right and of course self defense we can increase our longevity. Especially if someone were to try and harm us and take our life we can use our skills to defend ourselves and live longer thanks to our martial art.

Life - some have you have trained for a short time some for a longer time. Either way we always have Lots & Lots to learn. Always striving to be better each day. The martial arts is a LIFE long pursuit.

Then they place their old belt behind them that is the past. We do this to remember all the good and bad experiences that help shape us and bring us here. We cannot forget the past. We have to honor the past so we can create a better and brighter future.

Then they place their new belts on.

I like this:

Here is Greg's take on it:

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Mr. Greg Silva has always been ahead of his time regarding business and the teaching of martial arts, especially to kids.  His methods keep the kids in training as opposed to "weeding" them out.  Great thoughts.

Allen Sharpe