4. What is the protocol regarding a black belt's obi upon their death? Is it placed in the coffin? Also, is there a proper tribute or prayer that can be said? Eric - USA

... We are sorry for the loss that has occurred near to you.
... Traditions for honoring the dead vary widely and are affected by religion and family philosophies.
... In the Japanese tradition a kimono is folded on the opposite side (right over left) when dressing the deceased. There is not a firm tradition that we know of for the belt.
... Remembering that in some traditions the obi is just a piece of cloth to keep the robes closed or to hold up pants, and that the black belt evolved out of dirty white belts that were stained by years of hard work training, it is unlikely that we can do dishonor to the belt itself. It is what the person knew who wore it that is important.
... We suggest that you follow your own heart on this subject. If there is a clear person to whom the belt could be passed such as a sempai who will take over the work of the sensei than it is certainly acceptable traditionally for that person to have it. Sometimes teachers will pass their own belt to a student to indicate the passing on of knowledge within their lifetimes. Otherwise it is probably more appropriate for the family to keep it as a remembrance. They may make the decision to pass it on. Alternatively there is nothing wrong with the belt being placed in the casket.
... As for tributes we think that something original should be composed by a senior student, fellow trainee or someone close to the deceased who understands what their martial art training meant to that person. As a theme we might suggest the idea of the white page, Nyuanshin, beginners mind, beginning again, of white turning to black and coming full circle again.
... One tradition in a Japanese dojo if there has been a death in the family the student will turn the knots of the belt to the left side. This is a quiet way of communicating that all is not as you would like to have it in your world. Honor the friend who has died by training harder than before with an open heart, clarity of vision and integrity of spirit.
... We hope that this has been of some help and with more time we will investigate further so that others may know of it. Thank you for the question.