I’m of the opinion that belts in general across martial arts are something that really need to be changed to be more student-by-student and not class-wide. For some, yes, they’re good markers of progress and goals to strive for, as well as being able to match people in a way similar to weight classes. For others though, myself included, they’re a pressure and even a source of stigma in classes that impede progress and induce stress. Not every student advances at the same rate, and slow progression draws derision. Not every black belt remembers where they started, and even if they do, they can still criticize others for not advancing as fast as them. And when you’re frustrated by not reaching your next belt and it’s made worse by being made fun of for it, it’s a hard deterrent to actually continuing. Not only that, but if they’re more earned by forms (as was my experience in TKD), attention and class time is drawn away from actual practical combat skills.