We should remember that we train for the knowledge, not the belt. I often take my belt off and say to my students, "Who am I?" And they respond, "Sensei Marc." I point out my black belt is colored cloth. My heart is what makes me a black belt.
MR Miyagi: karate here*points to head*, karate here *points to heart*, Karate never here *points to belt* I kept that with me through my training and passing on to my nieces in their journey in TKD
Daniel : Hey, what kind of belt do you have? Mr. Miyagi : Canvas. JC Penney, $3.98. You like? Daniel : [laughs] No, I meant... Mr. Miyagi : In Okinawa, belt mean no need rope to hold up pants.
When I was a kid, I completely misunderstood what he was saying. I simply thought he was pointing out where you could make contact and that the "never here" was a kick to the groin area. Then you move on and forget it. Down the road, I started training and one day it popped into my head and I got it. Had to laugh at myself.
I saw the spiritual and emotional change in the people i worked with when they became "Masters." It killed their compassion and relatableness. Everything became about rank and "respect." I hated being called Master. I eventually left because the school wasn't what it was when I started a decade ago.
The eternal student mindset not only helps us temper ourself, but to understand victories and defeats in nature context. We are not the belt nor it's color. It, in my perspective is a benchmark that we have learn the basis of a system and now comes the real lessons. What do we do with it and how it becomes our expression of the art and how we contribute back into the arts and society.
@@wfTitus sure, use as you see fit. I am glad it gives you value. I am glad you are thinking of starting a school in the future. The real purpose of an art, to extend it to others who needs it.
As an autistic (Asperger’s variety), and a sufferer of various trauma related mental health issues, I’ve been expected to meet the requirements of rank and testing to level up. However, this is done at my own pace. I’ve succeeded so far with this method. I help teach a man in his 20’s our art, he is a slow, but eager, learner. But he still tests successfully and achieves rank given enough time and helpful instruction. I think the point is to meet people where they are and help them get there in whatever way works for them.
Totally agree Stephanie Dunham, with so many parents looking for activities for their children who maybe on the “spectrum” somewhere. It falls to the schools/institutions to take on “support” framework of that individual. With time, care and good instruction, we can build a better version of oneself. That should always be the goal!
Great thoughts! My instructor tells us the quote, "There is no cookie-cuter black belt." So we learn that our ranks for our dojo represent time and self improvement. When it comes to the black belt test, we do have certain requirements that need to reach in order to pass. I tested for my first black belt last November. I was sick for the entire week before and was still recovering on the day. I knew my material, however due to my illness my sparring was awful. I finished the testing but was heartbroken to the fact I couldn't show my sparring skills the way I wanted. I knew I technically passed, but I asked to retest because I felt like it would be a lie to wear the belt. My instructor was proud, but had to talk with the head master to confirm everything. It took the board a week and a half to decide, and I was promoted with a stripe instead of the belt but gave me the chance to retest. After I received my stripe, I learned from the doctor that I had acid inflation so my esophagus was melting during my testing. Not something you want to have when you have to spar for 45 minutes against multiple people with no breaks... but I finished it! Then a month after that, I learned that I was pregnant! So, not only did I test for my black belt with my organ melting and pregnant, but I'm testing for it again in less than 2 weeks still pregnant. I'm so thankful I don't have to wait til after the kid pops out. In my mid 20's, 5 months pregnant, going for my black belt! Lots of new rules for this testing of course, so a lot of challenges for me! I have so much respect for martial arts and what our black belt represents, and thankfully my stomach has calmed down because this testing I'm giving it my ALL. I'm going to finished this testing like a BEAST with HIGH credits! No exceptions!
Getting a black belt in any martial art SHOULD be a difficult and challenging accomplishment...but like in school, sometimes, there are C grade students. Practitioners that continue to rank, and acquire additional skills, acquire more rounded training, are the exceptional black belts. In my humble opinion. Great topic for discussion! 👍
I like the analogy of the "C grade students". It's still a qualifying passing grade but they won't necessary be as good or get as far as the A student.
Great video like always. I have two stories to share about rank. 1) when I was working for a school as an instructor, there was a kid who (at the time) was good, but not quite ready for his green belt. I tested him, and failed him. The head instructor (my boss) of the school told me that he had passed, and already paid for his belt and that I needed to give him his belt (which I did). The kid felt really good. Continue to train, but moved away right before achieving his black belt... I, however, felt horrible. It was the worst thing I had ever done in all my natural arts training. I felt very dishonest. From that day, I swore never to go through that again, and luckily I haven't. 2) after opening up my own school, one of my adults purple belts (only student ever to do this) tested for blue, I passed them (as they had met all my requirements), and when I presented him his new belt (with the "L") he picked up his purple belt again and put it back on. Only person to ever turn down the rank, he said "I don't feel like I did everything as well as I wanted. If it's okay with you, I rather wait till I feel ready". Three months later, he accepted the rank. That was one of my most proudest moments.
That's actually awesome that your student had the foresight and mindset to not accept it if he hadn't earned it. What a proud moment indeed. As far as being forced to promote a kid who you feel didn't pass is a horrible feeling. Just because he already paid for the belt? Show where the priority is. Can't say that my first school wasn't too different.
At my school, we hold everyone to the same standard. We never lower the standard. I do have a plethora of students with autism for over 20 years. My athlete, Ryan Rogers, is on the U.S. Karate Team and had autism. The first one to make it on the team. He has been training for over 15 years. When I met him, he was already a black belt in Shito-Ryu. However, there are 17 versions of Shito-Ryu. Ryan had to spend time learning a version of Shito-Ryu that was similar in ways but not exactly the same information at all. Ryan spent 4 years as a brown belt and focused more on the demands of international competitions, work, and life. It is all a balance. Ryan finally earned his black belt late last year. Also, I have a student in a wheelchair. We hold him to the same standard but it is based off of his abilities. He has won 19 consecutive gold medals and is a 3X International Champion and he just turned 13. Believe in those that do not believe in themselves and if you are in a position to make someone elses life better then...Do it!
Maybe 15 years ago I read , I believe in Black Belt magazine , that out of something like for every 300 people who start a martial art only 1 actually achieved Black Belt . From what I have seen I believe this . I also read an article stating that most everyone will do almost anything to get a Black Belt except to put in the hours and years of repetition required to get it . I earned my Black Belt and I guarantee my certificate is in a place of honor .
This is an essay I wrote last May per the request of my sensei. What Becoming a Black Belt Means to Me by Stephanie Dunham May 16, 2019 When I was younger, the thought of a person being a black belt elevated them to near super hero status in my mind. The mythos surrounding what the black belt means in terms of prowess and prestige continues into today’s culture, especially with the adoption of the Eastern mindset through yoga and the expansion of martial arts schools in America. As I’ve taken a deep dive into Japanese ethos, history, and culture in an attempt to understand the source of my training, I’ve found that while some do have a near super human qualities, in most cases black belts are students on a journey, just like every other belt level. However, journeying into the realm of the yudansha is rife with symbolism, meaning, and consequence. It is not to be taken lightly, or flippantly. As I look back on the past 3.5 years of training, I see exponential growth within my mind and body. My abilities to control and overcome fear, to move in a state of mushin, to work within fudoshin, and develop zanshin are vastly different than when I started. When connected to the major theme of budo (self-perfection), these developments within myself are obvious. I feel immensely different now and am thankful. Yet, I cannot rest on my laurels once obtaining shodan because the work within is not complete. To the degree I am able, I understand the previous 10 levels are “learning the basics” that prepare you for things to come, and once one has crossed over things begin to change for the student. Currently, I am beginning to feel techniques flow through me on a new level. I am more “mushin” than before, but not to extent that I have seen in true masters. Knowing this both invigorates and terrifies me, the student, who is ending one beginning and starting a new beginning. I must renew my vow to remain humble and continue to learn as I have, yet with a new mindset and perspective, because achieving shodan is no small thing. It is both a prize to be won, and a moment to leave behind. There is a continuation from one thing to the next. Shodan is a door through which one enters with eyes open, ready for new understanding. In my small world of fellow ninpoka, the various yudansha I have met and trained with carry with them a sort of concealed secret of understanding I’ve yet to obtain. As I look towards the future I feel this tension between where I am at now, and where I will be at, the stars in my eyes for my prize notwithstanding. As Sensei pointed out, the belt itself is merely cloth, yet I find it so representative of this otherness. I don’t expect to have whatever this hidden insight is immediately transferred the moment I’m declared “shodan,” but, I do expect it to occur as I roll up my sleeves again, and continue to move along this pilgrimage towards the budo ideal. To me, becoming black belt means moving from one thing to the next even if I am still on the same path. My feet will continue to move forward, but less awkwardly than the previous steps. All the mind states possible will increase and occupy my inward life more succinctly. My movements will be smoother and less cumbersome over time. I find that the black belt contemporaneously means everything, and nothing in terms of growth and training. It is the next thing to attain, and the next thing to move on from. It is both reminder of experience, and emblematic of fresh starts. In other words, I will obtain it, and I will move on from it to become the best of version of myself I can be in any given moment.
In many traditional okinawan karate systems the curriculum ends at 5th Dan. Then you get awarded Dans based on teaching. And black belts can only promote up to the rank under them. Like a 3rd Dan can promote up to 2nd Dan. Every instructor in traditional okinawan karate I’ve had all rate a student according to their own abilities & executing the curriculum to the best of their own abilities. 🥋🥋🥋🥋
I am a man with Cerebral Palsy who started out in a Tang Soo Do Kenpo mixture, but my instructor started his career as a Judoka and over time it came into focus that for my unique defense situation Judo as a base made sense using my lack of a fear of falling as an implement to keep me safe. I always looked at the teaching aspect as something that might not be for me, but, my instructor made a point to me . There were a lot of techniques that we adapted not because I couldn't do the technique, but because I needed a version of the technique for a situation that I was in. In doing so we discovered new things and between that, and my ability to explain details of even techniques I can't do can be a teaching contribution. My point being there are many paths to the same knowledge my level can be the same inspite of limitations Because if you allow it... these arts can adapt to you because they have to be adaptable to have endured this long.
Very well put. I like how you phrased it..."IF you allow it". This is along the lines of a book I'm currently outlining. You have to adapt, you have to find a way to make it your own, we can sometimes be our own worst opponent.
Every time I hear about belts and ranks, I can't help but laugh and think about my infamous "rainbow" belt . You see, when I was first training in TKD, it was to regain my hand-eye coordination after a long history of seizures. You see, my medical team wouldn't allow me to spar with other students, so I was required to only spar with instructors (mainly because they had enough control to stop at a moment's notice). Due to the fact that I couldn't do "traditional" spars, they would take tape of various colors and add stripes to said belt, each stripe corresponding with the official belt I should have been at had I been cleared to spar the normal way. I was so proud of that funky belt, mainly because it was so utterly different than the everyday cookie-cut belts that my peers always wore. That and the confused stares I saw people have when I wore it seemed utterly priceless. By the time the Master of the local chapter heard about it, he visited my class and learned my story...when he found out that I would be moving to a different state, he simply smiled and asked if he could see it for himself. When he saw it, he took a sharpie marker and signed it himself. He then wished me luck on my journey and left.
By the time I got my black belt I had been doing kyokushin tournaments for 7 years and the real progress was the damage I would take. The higher up I got, the less damage I’d take in tournaments, win or lose. My final tournament I took second place in the Australian Full Contact Karate organisation national championships. I lost the final but I took little damage. I was most proud of that.
My father is a 3rd Dan in Shito Ryu, a national champion twice over and when I started my training (I am a student of Kyokushin...my father's heart must have broken that day!) he told me a good quote: "The ultimate aim in the art of karate, lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of it's participants" - Gichen Funikoshi. I have taken this wisdom into all my my classes since!
I am 47 now. I have been regularly training,studying,experimenting, analyzing, martial arts for over 34 years. I don't emphasize belts. I have read the tradition that there was only a white belt in the begining. With blood sweat tears and labor around the dojo,when you had dedicated so much time energy and effort that your white belt turned black you were considered a black belt. To me a black belt represents mastering inner and outer darkness. It represents the power of death and power over death. It represents the practical and present ability to kill ! During the days of jujitsu and the Samurai, they were deadly. This is hard to approximate in this modern world. The closest equivalent is not only mastery of a battery of techniques but a sparring time and count and history that approximates this level of proficiency as closely as possible. Intensity of training and the study of human physiology and vital points and the deadly techniques need to kiai themselves ,as loudly as they can during the acquiring of the black belt, as the rich dark black color of the belt around the beloved Shogun and Samurai and wondering Ronin that use to wear them,the belt itself screaming in black silence "my owner is deadly". That's my humble position.
Where I trained there were students who focused on getting the next belt color for the sake of getting it, for me it was the key that unlocked the door to techniques I wasn't ready to learn.
Thanks for the video. I am a black belt wado ryu karate and my journey into martial arts has helped a great deal. For me it's not just about the belt, it's about the confidence, self defense skills and the life long friendships I have made with other martial artists like myself.
I agree completely when comparing belt rank to education and the black belt being a high school diploma. However, it differs from traditional education because the only measurement that matters is the measurement against yourself. I tell my students a black belt earns the rank long before their test. It's not all about the required material. Personal growth is just as important as the forms and sparing. It's a the secret 4th pillar. For example, we have a third degree brown belt in our school who hasn't tested for his black belt because he has bone-on-bone arthritis in both of his knees. He's a retired hippie and one of the best people you'll ever meet. The man exudes warmth, love, and a deep passion for the art. He's a fantastic teacher. But you can't do twist stances and so he can't do form. Now, there is a conflict. I would not mind presenting him with a black belt. I believe he's earned it. But my instructor still requires some sort of test. Remind structure, The test is just a formality. He would not put this student through a full-blown black belt test. He wouldn't be able to do it. But he could demonstrate the knowledge and skill he does have And that would be good enough for my instructor. But, like you, he refuses it. If you can't do the test in full, he doesn't want the test at all. He's happy being a third Brown for the rest of his life. According to him, that's what he was able to achieve and so that's all he will accept. Turn on the same notes, He would happily accept a presented black belt. It's weird. And both cases, my instructor and the students are showing great integrity.
I really appreciate the various points in this video. You hit on a lot of diverse points. I took tkd for 5 or 6 years as a young adult. I did reach black belt and I feel like I was worthy of it. Weird thing though, it was almost like the switch turned off once I earned it though. I lost all ambition to keep going. Some was due to parental responsibilities, some was due to cost of training, and some was due to the master of the school. Now the master was an excellent and skilled instructor and even today, I maintain my respect for him. I left school on a friendly basis and would greet him today on a friendly basis. The problem was, I got too close to his business side of running the school which I wasn't ready for. He really encouraged his black belts to become leaders of not only his school, but to also branch out to possibly create sub schools or sister schools. Well at least that was what I was perceiving. I'm probably 10 to 15 years removed from earning my black belt. The school still functions in my town. Regrettably, I haven't kept up on my training though. I sometimes consider starting again, but who knows? In my 45 years of being here, earning that belt is my most treasured accomplishment. I don't know why the fire went out so abruptly. I also like what you were saying about managing the young students. We operated similarly with our young students. I also agree with your philosophy about the belts themselves and what they represent. I always likened them to passing grades in school. I had a relative comment in response to my black belt, that I could probably kick some ass. I've never been one to fight in any circumstance. I didn't particularly enjoy sparring that much. Black belt or not, I wouldn't assume I would fair to well in a fight. I knew when I got my black belt that I was only at the beginning. I guess I decided not to go to college.🙂
I agree with all information. Black belt is a learning process to be a complete black belt instructor.. in 1995, I received my black belt, i said if i get certifications from famous martial artists, i will be a better instructor and eveyone will love me. Today, i say leadership, discipline lifestyle, self-improvement, honesty, building community, mentorship programs, learning is a never ending process, training analysis, development of individuals for life. Nonone style is complete. I train the individual, not the style. I learn something new about martial arts every month and it been 30 years now.
If a school tells you you can earn a belt in a few years that school is not for you. Work hard, struggle, learn, and triumph to see how far you've come. Art of one dojo, Im glad you made this video.
For me it started as a childhood goal, now that I’m older and finally achieved it. I see it not only as completing that childhood dream but also as a symbol of the time I gave into learning the knowledge and skill to hold such a status.(started at 5 and got my black belt at 17)
When I first started with my school, the head instructor was only 1st dan. He had no problem promoting people to the same rank as he. (He was very humble) It was kinda like the feeling of the Round Table. We are all the same rank together, though we show the most respect and loyalty to the head instructor.
When I got my black belt it was a great moment I felt great because I started my path at 12 and 13 later I got it . I started in Taekwondo when I move I was 4 belts away for my red black I meet kempo and I started from 0. I Belice black belt is more than just fighting is also be smart and change your life not be the same as you start
In my dojo it takes 10 years for a shoto deshi to obtain their shodan on average; 8 years minimum. 2 or 3 years for 1st dan if you're a uchi deshi. I was obsessed with trying to ensure that can get my black belt in 2030. Heck I was pushing to get my 6th kyu in January. But I got injured (going to physical therapy as we speak). This time has me thinking that being out is bugging me more then not getting the belt and what I'm really enjoying is the journey I'm taking. So once I'm healed I'm just focusing on the material and achieving my personal goals in the art.
When I started with Karate the belts was so important. To become a Blackbelt was the bigest goal ever. A dream ! But then the funniest thing happend. As time went bye it become less and less important. When I was a Brown belt, it didn`t feel so important any moore. Now I don`t care about rank at all anymoore. I train for myself, my peace of mind, my health and to learn new things. 1 dan or 10 dan doesn´t matter to me.
In general, a black belt in Gracie Jiu-jitsu or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu takes so much longer to earn. Around 10 years. And a majority of that (almost all) is dependant on how well you spar. They have rules in place with regards to age limits and progression. Minimum age for blue belt if you follow IBJJF rules is 15 years old. Not going to see a 10 year old black belt.
I'll be testing for black belt soon and the meaning for me is as follows: The color black is literally every color because it absorbs everything! It represents the cold recesses of space, an infinite void with no finite self. It has endless room for change, improvement and growth. It is a new beginning and therefore it should never end - but simply continue on it's path of discovery for knowledge, wisdom, and higher learning! Much respect Mr. Dan! 🥊🥋
My instructor puts an equal focus on training the body and mind. For the kids he sends home daily schedules and character building sheets for them to fill out. They work on principles like modesty, perseverance, self-control etc. Only after completing these sheets and with parent’s approval can they earn stripes and ranks. I’ve seen firsthand how effective this method of teaching can be as my daughter is also a student and her behavior and confidence has improved remarkably. At only six years old she’s not expected to perform like an adult but she does have to “act like a black belt” which I believe will build healthy habits that will carry into adulthood. I am reminded of Grandmaster Parker’s crest and symbology of the tiger and dragon, earth and spirit, body and mind. Thank you Art of one dojo for your videos, I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
As a person who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair being a black belt doesn't mean being the best fighter for me. Will I ever win a tournament against other "normal" black belts? Probably not. Have I learned enough self defense skills to protect myself if someone attacked me? Absolutely. Am I learning the curriculum well enough to be a teacher? Definitely. I've become more physically strong and gained more control over my body. I've been working 27 years to accomplish the goal of black belt. I won't be typical but I'll be just as much a black belt is anyone else who earned it, besides if I say anything else other than that my an instructor will make me pay for it in sweat. My goal is close and I can't wait.
I definitely agree with you Mr. Dan. The belt shouldn't be the objective, but it's a requirement to measure your knowledge and skill. Much like SAT scores. There's good and bad with any trade off, so I say keep the belt system but realize it's just a measurement.
A black belt only shows that you were good enough on the day of testing. Dans to me mean you met the standard and continued to push yourself and keep your mind open to learning. I achieved my black belt nearly four years ago and now teach others. It wasn’t just me who earned the belt, it was earned by my instructors who put a lot of effort into my development as well. I hope I get this across is my teachings, when coming up for grading I always tell my students that if they have failed it’s because I have failed. Yes a belt is just fabric but it’s visual proof that I or my instructors never gave up. To me being a black belt is as much about attitude as it is about achieving a certain level of competence in the art. Those who taught me, continue to teach and test me, I do the same to my students as they will in turn to their students. I get a kick out of watching someone come into the dojo for the first time and watching them grow and develop as a martial artist over time. Just stay humble and realise that you can learn as much from a student as they can learn from you. You attitude determines your altitude! OSU
I just recently gained my 1st degree Black Belt (June 26, 2020) in American Karate/Taekwondo, It took me 26 years to achieve this goal, not because I wasn't capable, but because I felt unsure of where I stood in the Martial Arts, I got into it because I was bullied as a young kid, but it meant so much to me. I studied but never thought about being a Black Belt although it was a long term goal, I was told by my past Instructors that I carry myself as a Black Belt, i just never thought I deserved it until recently, I was a 1st degree Brown Belt for my whole adulthood, I'm 45 years old. Achieving this Black Belt was a elusive goal that was very emotional upon earning it. Just thought I'd share. Let me say I love your station and what you present.
I was taught that getting your Shodan ( 1st Degree Black belt ) means you have learned to master all the basic techniques and have some idea of how they work in application . if you trained every week and put the effort in over a period of around 5 years that with steady progress , you should get to that level . the Dan grades up to Godan ( 5th dan ) are assessed by a national grading body . in my case with Shotokan in England , its either SKE or KUGB after that , its honorary . when at 4th kyu ( purple belt or blue depending on the club) upwards as a young adult, you could be allowed to train in the adult advanced classes as well as your own . the advanced classes were mainly concentrating on bunkai and deeper learning with other black belts up to around 3rd to 4th dan . it was a great experience as everyone was still learning to apply what they have learned from the sensei but having people more advanced than me helped too as we could all pick up techniques quicker and be safe to apply them as everyone knew to use proper control .
the thrill of getting my black belt was awesome. it was a sense of accomplishment, i pushed through all the barriers. Now i have a 3rd degree black belt in kempo after 20 years of practicing and studying the art.
This does not apply to McDojo. One of my favourites saying is... "How long does it take the average person to get a Black Belt? The average person does not get a Black Belt" Earning a Black Belt is a combination of blood, sweat, tears, commitment, sacrifice, bloody noses, broken ribs, dislocated toes, bruised elbows, sprained ankles, heart ache, excitment and joy. Yes, I leaarned a whole lot of techniques the hard way. Getting my Black Belt, 20 years ago was one of the most humbling moments of my life, funny I did not think it was that back then. I thought my Chief Instructor had it in for me back then. I was so prepared for that grading both mentally and physically. I was the fittest and strongest I ever had ever been before in my life.I was the number 1 contender in my devision for full contact and I had just won a major National competition. I was unstopable during that grading and at the end of it all, my Chief Instructor looked at me and said ... " Sorry, you have failed, better luck next time" and walked away, I was devastated. I was truly crushed. I could not believe it. I was so angry and I wanted to quit. However, that Monday, I was back in class training. I swallowed my pride and just kept at it until it was time to grade agian and this time I passed. In fact halfway through the grading the Chief Instructor walked up to me called me out and awarded me with my Black Belt. His words were..."I know you know your work and I know you are fit, that is not what I wanted to test in you. I wanted to test your reslove and I wanted to see if you could be humble in defeat... You passed" Since then I have moved on to other styles and systems but I will never forget that lesson. My own personal opinion is that from White Belt - Black Belt you question nothing and take in everything you can. Once you earn your Black Belt, you question everything and that is when your Martial Arts journey begins.
I relate to this so much on a personal level. While I understand the need for belts in an achievement culture like those in schools, it is important to take into account one's own honest development and growth, and not treat the belt as an end in and of itself.
I'm a taekwondo black belt, I now study under jack morris in kenpo he told me to wear my current rank and said a black belt is a black belt . I must say being 40plus now kenpo is so much easier on the body than tkd
The legitimacy (or lack thereof) of a particular association, federation, or training program is a separate issue from gaining a black belt, and a person's choice of how to train to earn their black belt can reflect their character. So, if I don't know where the belt came from, I don't assume a person is anything just because they wear a black belt, I need to see them perform first. A 1st Dan black belt in most martial arts indicates mastery of the BASICS, therefore it is an important waypoint but not a final destination. In our association, we sometimes see students get to 1st Dan and disappear, but most of them continue to train, become instructors, and earn progressive Dan grades. As far as all the weirdness you experienced among the first school you trained at (with personal conflicts, promotions, and pay raises), I have to say I've never experienced any of that. Perhaps that's because our association of schools are run as a hobby rather than a career, with classes taught out of recreation centers where we're paid from the rec center budget. I've heard some prejudice that YMCA or rec center martial art schools are not legit, but in some cases I'd argue the opposite, because sometimes it's the difference between instructors doing whatever it takes to keep the bills paid versus those who teach because they're passionate about their art. My first opportunity to test for 1st Dan is coming up in September, after almost 4 years of training. I trust my instructors to let me know if I'm ready, or if I need to wait another 3 or 6 months. It'll happen when it happens, but our instructors are insistent that black belt is not an end, but rather a beginning.
I reached the yellow belt in International Taekwondo when I was 14. I also studied Pa qua, for me karate is a way of life, the ability to fight gives you the confidence to go forward in life and accomplish your goals becoming a better person. This is the philosophy of Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern karate and founder of Shotokan karate. Pl
Thanks for the video and many good thoughts. I have around 30 years in martial arts from which around 10 years as an instructor (and yes, i have that magical black belt). The way i see a black belt is first and foremost as a sign of commitment. The one with the black belt is the one who put in a lot of years, effort and sweat to learn things he/she really wants to learn. Black belt is a sign that this was done. It is impossible to compare belt requirements between martial arts. Some are competition oriented (my son competes in judo (this i have very little knowledge about, though I’m learning some watching him) and it seems to me that ranks are very much depending on how much the he/she competes and how succesful they are. Some martial arts are very selfdefense oriented, the requirements there are and should be very different. Some martial arts focus on skill and prservation of culture and so on. Also the requirements for the black are and should be flexible i side the same martial arts, they cannot be the same for everyone. If i have a 20 year old and 50 year old white belt who begin their journey in towards a black belt (which should’t be a goal to anyone but lets be real, for many it is) when we look at them after 10 years of training their capabilities and performance will not be the same. But the effort a 50 year old puts in the art might even be bigger yet his/hers skills and performance can’t be compared. That they 60 year old should be compared to other 60 year olds with similar background. Funny though, theolder i get the less meaning the belts have for me and also my reasons why i train are completely different. Nowadays my primary goal is learning new things. I have really no interest in competing or selfdefense anymore. I just want to stay healthy and learn new things. That’s why i’m (after appr 10 years in karate, over 15 years of krav maga, appr 5 years of boxing) now a very happy white belt in Daitoryu. A very different martial art that i’m used to. For me, the key is learning and developing. That’s where the black belts mindset should be. Dalai Lama once said, ” when you talk, you just repeat what you already know. When you listen you might learn something new.” Learning, commitment and attitude, i think those are elements a black belt is made of.
Love your channel. The black belt to me signifies mastery of the curriculum and most importantly, mastery of self. At my dojo we have had students who had disabilities or circumstances which prevented certain techniques. My sensei aspouses that anyone should be able to train in martial arts.
I agree with what you're saying. I like what you're saying. The Bell doesn't mean that much. Have the time you think it does. Then you realize it doesn't. And you're always learning.
Theres a old lady i go to class with. In 2004 i was a blue belt, she was a brown belt. I recieved my 1st degree Black belt in 2007.. she was still a brown belt. Now she attends every class, every party or any gathering, tries her best, is super respectful to everyone and loved by all. Shes not some competition level fighter, shes a lil old lady, so do u not give someone like her a black belt mearly based off of physical ability? Tbh ive seen skilled Black belts that dont have the level of commitment she has! She eventually got a black belt and everyone was happy for her! But at the same time shes not expected to teach class or spar with visitors from other dojos or go win tournaments either.
What a black belt should be is someone who carries themselves in way that does not makes you think "I could take him, no problem" nor "she could take me, no problem." A black belt should be someone who carries themselves in a way that makes you think "I have no idea which one of us would come out on top, and I have no interest in finding out."
I think the black belt is something that should be strived for but not just because it's a black belt but because it represents all the time energy and knowledge but I do feel that to many people (claim) to be black belts without the time or knowledge and it has taken away what it means in the eyes of so many
best belt explination iv heard yet. as far as special needs, there milestones maybe different than others, its your school, what do you want your black belt to mean? not just the belt you give at your school; but the one you as the teacher is wearing. I think that is the only question that matters.
Insightful video as usual. Regarding your point about upholding the expectations of your rank: my instructor said something interesting to me a ways back: "As martial artists, we cannot afford to be 'right.' That's why I'm not afraid to go back and check the manual." Our federation has fairly detailed books from our grandmaster and we've often used them in class to double check and polish our techniques. I also took a bit extra home with me from quote for when it comes to arguing but that might be off topic 😛
I started Shotokan in the early 80s I will be 53 this year I never received my black belt went all the way to Brown mainly because I never tested don't study as much anymore but it's still there really the belt does not mean anything to me anymore there's an old saying the difference between a master and a beginner the master has made more mistakes...
I like how you ended this segment it's not about the belt but what you put into it. That's what I noticed in my old Taekwondo school. Some kids would put more effort into their training then others and the lazy still got promoted. I first thaught it was unfair then I began to realize the only person they are fooling is themselves. Like anything else in life you get out of it what you put into it. To me a black belt 1st Dan, should only be awarded to a student who has a firm grasp of the basics.
I've been in the martial arts since I was about seven or eight. I haven't been able to stick with one art for long. Sometimes it's because I've moved and haven't been able to find the same art in my new area, other times I've had to stop for financial reasons or personal injury. There was a good ten year period where all I had available were dvd instructionals. I used this period as a spiritual growth period and studied the more esoteric parts of the martial arts. I found a very friendly bjj school nearby and started about 8 months ago. It's amazing. What I appreciate about it, and capoeira for that matter, is that you have to put in the years to even get one belt. I can feel my improvement. I know that if I live to see a black belt, I would have earned it with my sweat and bones...
Having special accommodations for students with special needs is the hallmark of a more equitable society. Black belt for a regular student may be a level where you can trust that student to teach others. But for the special needs student who is non-verbal, there's no way for them to achieve that. So you have a choice. You can deny them the black belt because you are measuring with the same ruler as everyone else. Or you can find a ruler that is appropriate for that student. Much love.
Thank you for putting this segment : I feel it is different experience getting the black belt . When I got my first Black Belt in Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu I was teenager and it was really big deal. Incidentally this style of Kung Fu did follow a ranking system but they used sashes instead of belts and called them levels 7th level was considered Black belt level and you were given a black sash. Later when I got black belt in Tae kwon do ; it only took me about 3 years. Now I'm learning BJJ for 4 years and I'm still learning .My question for you is regrading my son . I had him trained in TKD since he was 6 years old and I had him train in Arnis , My son was really good at both arts but when he got his black belt : he stated to me that he was bored with TKD even after winning National titles in sparring. I couldn't get my head around it. I mean I got my black belts with hard work and I had to work on getting the techniques but he was born with the talent and was miles ahead of me when I started training, I tried to encourage him to train again but he only practices his kick once in a while and he can still do them. How would I be able to encourage him to come back to the martial arts and realize his full potential? Thanks for your good work on the videos .
That is not an easy answer but one thing is for sure, do not FORCE him to train in a particular art. If he feels pressured he'll only resent it more. Maybe come right out and ask him that if he's bored, WHY is he bored? Would what he find challenging? Maybe ask him if he could choose to learn anything with the martial arts, what would it be and then try to encourage that? Sometimes a new perspective or experience could be invigorating. Open communication between both of you, expressing why you think it's important to train but let him explore the avenues that he would find interesting. He may just not feel challenged, so maybe an art that would challenge him would be great. Has he tried BJJ with you? Maybe bring him with you to a class?
Art of One Dojo : I have tried but he was not too thrilled about it . Then I let him use his TKD against my BJJ and I only tickle tapped him out . Meaning I didn’t want to hurt him and only submitted him by tickle him: Thank you for replying and you have some great insights
I think you could easily tie this discussion with the earlier one about 'why you train'. The "why" will strongly shape one's feelings about the black belt. For those in my age group and experience level, achieving the belt itself felt very much like taking a tiny little step near the top of a mountain peak. The work was in getting to that point, and the last step was to get the belt itself. If you feel that martial arts is all about combat training, then seeing kid black belts, disabled individuals with black belts, and so on, may feel a bit antithetical to the point of a black belt. If you feel that the belt is seen more as a "beginner" in the art, then each of those who attain that rank, regardless of physical ability or disability, are all seen as very early on a long, long path towards discovery and understanding. Yes, a black belt should 'know' more, but a true black belt is open and honest about what they don't know, which is generally much deeper than first glance. The kung fu system I study has several hundred forms in it - and getting your black belt means you've learned the first 21. There's a long, long way to go after that! Ultimately, knowing the why you train, and finding the system that aligns as close as possible to that why will mean that the black belt one earns will have true value to that person.
I remember learning chinto as a 2nd degree blackbelt. My friend's dad is a 6th degree black belt in isshinryu; he said they teach that form to purple belts and they never promote children to black belt. Then he told me about the Sanchin Test. Tang Soo Do doesn't have the Sanchin Test. We never learned that form. It came over from China to Okinawa. It's the first form you learn in White Crane. You can see elements of it all through the old karate forms down to those dynamic tension slow moves in jite/sip soo that no one ever explained why we do it that way (the part in sip soo where you get hit by a cane is gone). I quit karate after learning the testing fee for master was more than $1,000.00. I went with the two rank system: teacher and student. I tossed my black belt certificates probably about 10 years ago. Pieces of paper don't really represent what I've learned in the last 30 years. I also don't need to pay a few thousand to join an exclusive club without a pool.
I was honored and proud to earn my 3rd° black belt cause I put in 12 years of hard work to get it and am working toward my 4th° in late 2025. We don’t pass em out like candy, we earn them!
Thank you for the video. I was very fortunate to have learned and trained under Shihan Kenneth Funakoshi in his Funakoshi Shotokan Karate Association here in Hawaii. We were introduced to Shotokan Karate by being given the book of Gichin Funakoshi to read as part of our training. When Shihan left to open his dojo in San Jose his son Sensei Kevin took over the dojo here in Hawaii. The one thing I appreciated was that the training was very disciplined and every move/pose was explained in detail so you understood what the technique was for. Everything had meaning. Rank was last on the list and a result only of your achievements. Not like some dojo’s today. One thing that really bothers me is how most everyone pronounces Karate incorrectly. Can you listen to the correct way to pronounce Karate and spread it on your channel? Out of respect for the art of Karate? 🙏🏽
One should have pride in every belt colour (especially white) because statistically speaking, they are doing something that 97-99% of the population will never do.
I have a very strong opinion about those who should obtain black belt. I see black belt as a sacred rank in martial arts. A black belt needs more than just advanced skills in sparring and katas. They need to be of sound character. They also need to have the ability to understand people as they are expected to teach. In Karate, we call the Black Belts "Dan" ranks. At 1st and 2nd Dan, I believe one can teach but should not run an entire dojo on their own. Around 3rd-4th Dan is when someone should expect to be able to run their own dojo.
I actually have high functioning autism and I enjoy Taekwondo, I actually spar better than most the other black belts, I am a senior blue belt and I am climbing through the ranks fast and I understand the material and the basics I help instruct sometimes to the little kids.
I'm being privately taught Karate and I wasn't given a belt nor a Gi. I'm just shown the techniques, my stability and movements checked and the rest is homework. One of my Senseis says he ran out of stuff to teach me so I take that as my diploma for the basics at least. The words "Your technique, structure, etc. has improved" are my belt ranks and stripes. I think having a blackbelt and wearing it in the wrong places or word getting out that I'm a black belt or whatever color belt could attract bullies or challengers and I intend on living a quiet life.
I know this video is a few years old but I just now saw it. I am personally getting close to my brown belt in Isshinryu and I have a ton of physical issues that, for all intents and purposes, should deny me rank. Back issue, breathing issue, heart valve issue, etc. I’m not completely fragile but to the point where I know I will not meet the requirements. With that said, I’ve discussed this with my Sensei and thank God for him because he made me understand that my future in martial arts lies in teaching. Not tournament, not kumite…teaching. Someone has to pass on the knowledge to keep our style alive. I have always said that I value the knowledge over the obi around my waste and now more than ever as I have begun assisting in teaching the Juniors class the basics and first kata. I guess my point is that if each belt helps the student grow to be a better person and they can help the person below them in rank to grow, then it is valuable but it’s the knowledge and passion for the art that really matter If I am denied further promotion, then so be it. I am prepared for it and will keep trying to move forward. The one thing I cannot ever lose is the knowledge.
If you tell someone you have a black belt, and especially if you wear it, you should have an honest explanation prepared. How long did it take you? How frequently did you train in that time? Were you constantly building on well established basics? What changes did you observe in yourself in that time? Any milestones? Independent study? What was the test like, how did you prepare, and how did you perform? Have you found yourself to be a source of information that others are eager to ask questions and learn from? So, what's next for you? And obviously, can you use it effectively? So much more to it than many people realize.
I never used belt systems in my dojo for a very long time. It's true for everyone but kids big time they like to see a physical representation of progress, even adults do to a great degree. My issues were personal and most people I trained were fighters or people who wanted to learn real self defense and most of them didn't care about a "rank" belt. Well of course the funds didn't meet my needs and I shut down. I do however still teach but now I established a belt system and it has helped. Now all I need to do is make it kid friendly and state focusing on the little ones and start making cash again. Teach the kids because that is were the money is so I can do the actual teaching I want to do. But it takes the cash flow of kids to make that happen.
The first time i got a black belt, it was a very special feeling of achievement. After a time i realized it isn't anything all that special at all. It can be a useful goal for beginners, but in the end, they need to know its not the belt that matters, but your skills, experience and how you have grown and continue to do so. You can treat everyone the same with gradings. The belt isnt just about skills in my opinion.
I recently took my Shodan exam in Shorinji Kempo - it felt like I had passed, insofar as I knew the material and executed it as best I could, but I was also exhausted by the end of the test, and it made me very aware that my stamina was still quite poor. In the delay between the test and hearing the result I returned to my normal class, and became even more aware of the areas where I needed to improve - in my overall fitness and endurance, in my general flexibility and in areas of technique that, although I could perform them, still needed sharpening and tightening. It reminded me very much that obtaining a black belt represented only the beginning of becoming proficient at my art, and gave me an incentive to train even harder to perfect and round out my abilities as a martial artist.
Yes it is. I'm pushing through to get that shodan especially after my Sensei was nice enough to show me a portion of what will be expected from me and I want to do.
I trained in martial arts for over 30 yrs. With one if my instructors and I made it to brown belt but never got black belt. That hurt. Do I continued my own research and continued the journey. I train for the love not rank. My skills are important. Now I don't care about rank just knowledge and skill.
This summer I’m training for my black belt in Shotokan. I’m trying to train and live up in o the mindset of it. It is not lost on me that my Sensei believe in my ability. I will take it with grade pride and respect.
I am also struggling with my own ability with my belt. Especially in Bjj where I’m a blue belt because I don’t feel that way with rolling. I trust my instructor belief in me. I give it my best. My whole mindset now is to get better in my fundamentals. In karate and Bjj. Practice,practice,practice.
I’ve only made it to yellow belt. But I never really continued as a kid or as an adult because it was pricy just to keep going to the dojo. I’ve learned from other martial artists that belts do and don’t matter. Keep in the mindset of a white belt because there is always something knew to learn.
tbh the belt itself means nothing to me without the effort put into it I remember back in highschool my instructor pulls me aside after my third day of no point 3 -0 sparring matches in the last three days and he sincerely asked me why i was still wearing my yellow belt when i should at least be a green belt based on skill level was at least two ranks higher in his opinion I told him the truth that i simply didnt have the money to do the test but was very thankful for the compliment so i never looked at the belt as anything more than a piece of fabric i tie to keep my gi closed in the first place i ended up sparring with blue belt rank and Higher for the rest of that program that year
Everyone enters the martial arts through different portals and for varying reasons with personal goals and expectations. The longer one sticks with it those reasons change as you take your personal journey. When I reached shodan at age 20 my journey didn't lead me towards further Dan promotions. I was studying different arts and forms of fighting, which was my goal at the time. I'm perfectly happy with that.
This is a difficult topic. JKA Sandan in Shotokan, Rob Redmond called the belt system and its inherent issues, the kudzu of karate. On one hand, you shouldn't focus on the belt, but belt statistics (3-5% ever get it, 1 in 1000 martial artists ever get it) are often used, black belt clubs, black belt patches, black belt classes... few instructors ever state, how one becomes better at karate, they talk around this topic, in belt speak. Martial art belts are a physical, visual representation of an idea, effort, time, training, etc. Maybe we all should just wear rope around our waists.
I'm on both sides of belts. First I don't think belts matter because martial arts is an art and it becomes a part of you, mastery of self, but then we need bts to teach because people want to see the black belt/ red belt. Similar to a degree.
My goal is to be the most Efficient, Accurate, and Powerful Striker that I can be. I have never had a black belt, and probably never will. But I am confident that I can hold my own against any opponent that is a somewhat similar size to me.
Personally, I refused to test when it was time to get mu black belt. There was too much politics, and I saw too many 1st and 2nd Dan's who thought they were hot stuff because they were a black belt, but A: they let the belt go to their head, and B: they couldn't fight their way out of a wet paper bag. And C: they seemed to look down on lower ranks, even if they didn't know their backstory. I started training in traditional taekwondo(old ITF style, only 3 generations down from General Choi, so it was more like Shotokan then that soft Olympic sport style tkd), after I got hurt training for the cage. So when I show up, in my late 30s and stocky, these 20 something 1st Dan's are trying to school me like one of the elementary school kids. That was a turn off. But the main reason I never tested for 1st Dan ifs that the school was attached to a large organization, and though my teachers were great instructors, they had to use their own money to keep ther doors open, because all the test money went to the "greatgrandmaster". Now he may have taught the grandmaster, who taught the masters, who taught me... but I couldn't support him when he didn't teach me, and left his students to pay the bills ot of their own money when plenty was coming in. Especially since he had a non-compete clause in the form to sign for your black belt test. Unfortunately, I haven't found another ITF style dojang to go study at and test with. Now everybody is into that WTF/Kukkiwon/sport stuff, and I'm not into that. So my highest rank is 1st Gup/ brown belt. Even though over trained many years in many arts. But that's ok, because I try to keep the white belt mentality: that you can learn anything, from anyone, at anytime. Plus, I firmly believe that a belt is for holding up your pants.
We should remember that we train for the knowledge, not the belt. I often take my belt off and say to my students, "Who am I?" And they respond, "Sensei Marc." I point out my black belt is colored cloth. My heart is what makes me a black belt.
I like the way you phrased that. That's a great way to illustrate the point to the class.
If all this were true you wouldn't have written this post.
In my studio, we have a saying - "You don't wear a Black Belt around your waist; you wear it around your heart."
MR Miyagi: karate here*points to head*, karate here *points to heart*, Karate never here *points to belt* I kept that with me through my training and passing on to my nieces in their journey in TKD
Karate come from inside you WImob420 San
@Stuart Harrison Well he was only a kid.
@Stuart Harrison he has gotten a little less whiney in spin off series, as an adult. (Cobra Kai)
Daniel : Hey, what kind of belt do you have?
Mr. Miyagi : Canvas. JC Penney, $3.98. You like?
Daniel : [laughs] No, I meant...
Mr. Miyagi : In Okinawa, belt mean no need rope to hold up pants.
When I was a kid, I completely misunderstood what he was saying. I simply thought he was pointing out where you could make contact and that the "never here" was a kick to the groin area. Then you move on and forget it. Down the road, I started training and one day it popped into my head and I got it. Had to laugh at myself.
Mindset in martial arts should be forever a White Belt because there is always something to learn.
In the words of Socrates himself: "The only thing that I truly know is that I know nothing."
I saw the spiritual and emotional change in the people i worked with when they became "Masters." It killed their compassion and relatableness. Everything became about rank and "respect." I hated being called Master. I eventually left because the school wasn't what it was when I started a decade ago.
The eternal student mindset not only helps us temper ourself, but to understand victories and defeats in nature context. We are not the belt nor it's color. It, in my perspective is a benchmark that we have learn the basis of a system and now comes the real lessons. What do we do with it and how it becomes our expression of the art and how we contribute back into the arts and society.
@@joshuabaru2908 Can I use your quote in writing for any future students I will have when I start my own school? That was beautifully written.
@@wfTitus sure, use as you see fit. I am glad it gives you value. I am glad you are thinking of starting a school in the future. The real purpose of an art, to extend it to others who needs it.
As an autistic (Asperger’s variety), and a sufferer of various trauma related mental health issues, I’ve been expected to meet the requirements of rank and testing to level up. However, this is done at my own pace. I’ve succeeded so far with this method. I help teach a man in his 20’s our art, he is a slow, but eager, learner. But he still tests successfully and achieves rank given enough time and helpful instruction.
I think the point is to meet people where they are and help them get there in whatever way works for them.
Totally agree Stephanie Dunham, with so many parents looking for activities for their children who maybe on the “spectrum” somewhere. It falls to the schools/institutions to take on “support” framework of that individual.
With time, care and good instruction, we can build a better version of oneself.
That should always be the goal!
Martial arts is for everyone no matter who you are or handicaps. You're doing it right.
I think your right, I always view Black Belts as Diplomas in Education as well.
1st degree - High School diploma
2nd degree - Associates Degree
3rd degree - Bachelors Degree (Sensei status/School Teacher)
4th degree - Masters Degree ( Masters status)
5th Degree - PHD
6th - 7th degree - Higher honorary statuses.
Great thoughts! My instructor tells us the quote, "There is no cookie-cuter black belt." So we learn that our ranks for our dojo represent time and self improvement. When it comes to the black belt test, we do have certain requirements that need to reach in order to pass. I tested for my first black belt last November. I was sick for the entire week before and was still recovering on the day. I knew my material, however due to my illness my sparring was awful. I finished the testing but was heartbroken to the fact I couldn't show my sparring skills the way I wanted. I knew I technically passed, but I asked to retest because I felt like it would be a lie to wear the belt. My instructor was proud, but had to talk with the head master to confirm everything. It took the board a week and a half to decide, and I was promoted with a stripe instead of the belt but gave me the chance to retest. After I received my stripe, I learned from the doctor that I had acid inflation so my esophagus was melting during my testing. Not something you want to have when you have to spar for 45 minutes against multiple people with no breaks... but I finished it! Then a month after that, I learned that I was pregnant! So, not only did I test for my black belt with my organ melting and pregnant, but I'm testing for it again in less than 2 weeks still pregnant. I'm so thankful I don't have to wait til after the kid pops out. In my mid 20's, 5 months pregnant, going for my black belt! Lots of new rules for this testing of course, so a lot of challenges for me! I have so much respect for martial arts and what our black belt represents, and thankfully my stomach has calmed down because this testing I'm giving it my ALL. I'm going to finished this testing like a BEAST with HIGH credits! No exceptions!
With this mindset I'm sure you'll be in a much better position to blow the test away :) Congrats on the pregnancy! You're fighting for 2 now! :D
Getting a black belt in any martial art SHOULD be a difficult and challenging accomplishment...but like in school, sometimes, there are C grade students. Practitioners that continue to rank, and acquire additional skills, acquire more rounded training, are the exceptional black belts. In my humble opinion.
Great topic for discussion! 👍
I like the analogy of the "C grade students". It's still a qualifying passing grade but they won't necessary be as good or get as far as the A student.
Great video like always. I have two stories to share about rank. 1) when I was working for a school as an instructor, there was a kid who (at the time) was good, but not quite ready for his green belt. I tested him, and failed him. The head instructor (my boss) of the school told me that he had passed, and already paid for his belt and that I needed to give him his belt (which I did). The kid felt really good. Continue to train, but moved away right before achieving his black belt... I, however, felt horrible. It was the worst thing I had ever done in all my natural arts training. I felt very dishonest. From that day, I swore never to go through that again, and luckily I haven't. 2) after opening up my own school, one of my adults purple belts (only student ever to do this) tested for blue, I passed them (as they had met all my requirements), and when I presented him his new belt (with the "L") he picked up his purple belt again and put it back on. Only person to ever turn down the rank, he said "I don't feel like I did everything as well as I wanted. If it's okay with you, I rather wait till I feel ready". Three months later, he accepted the rank. That was one of my most proudest moments.
That's actually awesome that your student had the foresight and mindset to not accept it if he hadn't earned it. What a proud moment indeed. As far as being forced to promote a kid who you feel didn't pass is a horrible feeling. Just because he already paid for the belt? Show where the priority is. Can't say that my first school wasn't too different.
At my school, we hold everyone to the same standard. We never lower the standard. I do have a plethora of students with autism for over 20 years. My athlete, Ryan Rogers, is on the U.S. Karate Team and had autism. The first one to make it on the team. He has been training for over 15 years. When I met him, he was already a black belt in Shito-Ryu. However, there are 17 versions of Shito-Ryu. Ryan had to spend time learning a version of Shito-Ryu that was similar in ways but not exactly the same information at all. Ryan spent 4 years as a brown belt and focused more on the demands of international competitions, work, and life. It is all a balance. Ryan finally earned his black belt late last year. Also, I have a student in a wheelchair. We hold him to the same standard but it is based off of his abilities. He has won 19 consecutive gold medals and is a 3X International Champion and he just turned 13. Believe in those that do not believe in themselves and if you are in a position to make someone elses life better then...Do it!
Maybe 15 years ago I read , I believe in Black Belt magazine , that out of something like for every 300 people who start a martial art only 1 actually achieved Black Belt . From what I have seen I believe this . I also read an article stating that most everyone will do almost anything to get a Black Belt except to put in the hours and years of repetition required to get it . I earned my Black Belt and I guarantee my certificate is in a place of honor .
finally someone that trully understands the meaning
Couldn’t have said it better myself
This is an essay I wrote last May per the request of my sensei.
What Becoming a Black Belt Means to Me
by Stephanie Dunham
May 16, 2019
When I was younger, the thought of a person being a black belt elevated them to near super hero status in my mind. The mythos surrounding what the black belt means in terms of prowess and prestige continues into today’s culture, especially with the adoption of the Eastern mindset through yoga and the expansion of martial arts schools in America. As I’ve taken a deep dive into Japanese ethos, history, and culture in an attempt to understand the source of my training, I’ve found that while some do have a near super human qualities, in most cases black belts are students on a journey, just like every other belt level. However, journeying into the realm of the yudansha is rife with symbolism, meaning, and consequence. It is not to be taken lightly, or flippantly.
As I look back on the past 3.5 years of training, I see exponential growth within my mind and body. My abilities to control and overcome fear, to move in a state of mushin, to work within fudoshin, and develop zanshin are vastly different than when I started. When connected to the major theme of budo (self-perfection), these developments within myself are obvious. I feel immensely different now and am thankful. Yet, I cannot rest on my laurels once obtaining shodan because the work within is not complete. To the degree I am able, I understand the previous 10 levels are “learning the basics” that prepare you for things to come, and once one has crossed over things begin to change for the student.
Currently, I am beginning to feel techniques flow through me on a new level. I am more “mushin” than before, but not to extent that I have seen in true masters. Knowing this both invigorates and terrifies me, the student, who is ending one beginning and starting a new beginning. I must renew my vow to remain humble and continue to learn as I have, yet with a new mindset and perspective, because achieving shodan is no small thing. It is both a prize to be won, and a moment to leave behind. There is a continuation from one thing to the next. Shodan is a door through which one enters with eyes open, ready for new understanding.
In my small world of fellow ninpoka, the various yudansha I have met and trained with carry with them a sort of concealed secret of understanding I’ve yet to obtain. As I look towards the future I feel this tension between where I am at now, and where I will be at, the stars in my eyes for my prize notwithstanding. As Sensei pointed out, the belt itself is merely cloth, yet I find it so representative of this otherness. I don’t expect to have whatever this hidden insight is immediately transferred the moment I’m declared “shodan,” but, I do expect it to occur as I roll up my sleeves again, and continue to move along this pilgrimage towards the budo ideal.
To me, becoming black belt means moving from one thing to the next even if I am still on the same path. My feet will continue to move forward, but less awkwardly than the previous steps. All the mind states possible will increase and occupy my inward life more succinctly. My movements will be smoother and less cumbersome over time. I find that the black belt contemporaneously means everything, and nothing in terms of growth and training. It is the next thing to attain, and the next thing to move on from. It is both reminder of experience, and emblematic of fresh starts. In other words, I will obtain it, and I will move on from it to become the best of version of myself I can be in any given moment.
Awesomeness. Loved this
tom martin thanks 😊. I’m heading to a seminar tonight and will be testing for shodan this Sunday.
@@queensillybritches I hope you pass
@Stephanie Dunham all the best and you can do it. Believe in yourself and persevere no matter what, Osu!🥋🙏
ニュージーランド・スイサイド thank you 🙏🏻
In many traditional okinawan karate systems the curriculum ends at 5th Dan. Then you get awarded Dans based on teaching. And black belts can only promote up to the rank under them. Like a 3rd Dan can promote up to 2nd Dan.
Every instructor in traditional okinawan karate I’ve had all rate a student according to their own abilities & executing the curriculum to the best of their own abilities.
🥋🥋🥋🥋
You put the meaning in the belt, that is a great phrase .
I am a man with Cerebral Palsy who started out in a Tang Soo Do Kenpo mixture, but my instructor started his career as a Judoka and over time it came into focus that for my unique defense situation Judo as a base made sense using my lack of a fear of falling as an implement to keep me safe. I always looked at the teaching aspect as something that might not be for me, but, my instructor made a point to me . There were a lot of techniques that we adapted not because I couldn't do the technique, but because I needed a version of the technique for a situation that I was in. In doing so we discovered new things and between that, and my ability to explain details of even techniques I can't do can be a teaching contribution. My point being there are many paths to the same knowledge my level can be the same inspite of limitations Because if you allow it... these arts can adapt to you because they have to be adaptable to have endured this long.
Very well put. I like how you phrased it..."IF you allow it". This is along the lines of a book I'm currently outlining. You have to adapt, you have to find a way to make it your own, we can sometimes be our own worst opponent.
Literally thought about black belts yesterday, thanks 👍❤️
Every time I hear about belts and ranks, I can't help but laugh and think about my infamous "rainbow" belt . You see, when I was first training in TKD, it was to regain my hand-eye coordination after a long history of seizures. You see, my medical team wouldn't allow me to spar with other students, so I was required to only spar with instructors (mainly because they had enough control to stop at a moment's notice). Due to the fact that I couldn't do "traditional" spars, they would take tape of various colors and add stripes to said belt, each stripe corresponding with the official belt I should have been at had I been cleared to spar the normal way.
I was so proud of that funky belt, mainly because it was so utterly different than the everyday cookie-cut belts that my peers always wore. That and the confused stares I saw people have when I wore it seemed utterly priceless. By the time the Master of the local chapter heard about it, he visited my class and learned my story...when he found out that I would be moving to a different state, he simply smiled and asked if he could see it for himself. When he saw it, he took a sharpie marker and signed it himself. He then wished me luck on my journey and left.
Yes totally agree. Sparring and competing is the best thing to test your skills in a more realistic situation.
By the time I got my black belt I had been doing kyokushin tournaments for 7 years and the real progress was the damage I would take. The higher up I got, the less damage I’d take in tournaments, win or lose. My final tournament I took second place in the Australian Full Contact Karate organisation national championships. I lost the final but I took little damage. I was most proud of that.
Osu!
My favorite martial arts channel on TH-cam.
My father is a 3rd Dan in Shito Ryu, a national champion twice over and when I started my training (I am a student of Kyokushin...my father's heart must have broken that day!) he told me a good quote: "The ultimate aim in the art of karate, lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of it's participants" - Gichen Funikoshi. I have taken this wisdom into all my my classes since!
I am 47 now. I have been regularly training,studying,experimenting, analyzing, martial arts for over 34 years. I don't emphasize belts. I have read the tradition that there was only a white belt in the begining. With blood sweat tears and labor around the dojo,when you had dedicated so much time energy and effort that your white belt turned black you were considered a black belt. To me a black belt represents mastering inner and outer darkness. It represents the power of death and power over death. It represents the practical and present ability to kill ! During the days of jujitsu and the Samurai, they were deadly. This is hard to approximate in this modern world. The closest equivalent is not only mastery of a battery of techniques but a sparring time and count and history that approximates this level of proficiency as closely as possible. Intensity of training and the study of human physiology and vital points and the deadly techniques need to kiai themselves ,as loudly as they can during the acquiring of the black belt, as the rich dark black color of the belt around the beloved Shogun and Samurai and wondering Ronin that use to wear them,the belt itself screaming in black silence "my owner is deadly". That's my humble position.
My sense of timing and dates was off but the idea is consistent. I see now that history tells us Jigoro Kano developed the black belt system.
Where I trained there were students who focused on getting the next belt color for the sake of getting it, for me it was the key that unlocked the door to techniques I wasn't ready to learn.
Thanks for the video. I am a black belt wado ryu karate and my journey into martial arts has helped a great deal. For me it's not just about the belt, it's about the confidence, self defense skills and the life long friendships I have made with other martial artists like myself.
I agree completely when comparing belt rank to education and the black belt being a high school diploma. However, it differs from traditional education because the only measurement that matters is the measurement against yourself. I tell my students a black belt earns the rank long before their test. It's not all about the required material. Personal growth is just as important as the forms and sparing. It's a the secret 4th pillar. For example, we have a third degree brown belt in our school who hasn't tested for his black belt because he has bone-on-bone arthritis in both of his knees. He's a retired hippie and one of the best people you'll ever meet. The man exudes warmth, love, and a deep passion for the art. He's a fantastic teacher. But you can't do twist stances and so he can't do form. Now, there is a conflict. I would not mind presenting him with a black belt. I believe he's earned it. But my instructor still requires some sort of test. Remind structure, The test is just a formality. He would not put this student through a full-blown black belt test. He wouldn't be able to do it. But he could demonstrate the knowledge and skill he does have And that would be good enough for my instructor. But, like you, he refuses it. If you can't do the test in full, he doesn't want the test at all. He's happy being a third Brown for the rest of his life. According to him, that's what he was able to achieve and so that's all he will accept. Turn on the same notes, He would happily accept a presented black belt. It's weird. And both cases, my instructor and the students are showing great integrity.
I really appreciate the various points in this video. You hit on a lot of diverse points.
I took tkd for 5 or 6 years as a young adult. I did reach black belt and I feel like I was worthy of it. Weird thing though, it was almost like the switch turned off once I earned it though. I lost all ambition to keep going. Some was due to parental responsibilities, some was due to cost of training, and some was due to the master of the school. Now the master was an excellent and skilled instructor and even today, I maintain my respect for him. I left school on a friendly basis and would greet him today on a friendly basis. The problem was, I got too close to his business side of running the school which I wasn't ready for. He really encouraged his black belts to become leaders of not only his school, but to also branch out to possibly create sub schools or sister schools. Well at least that was what I was perceiving.
I'm probably 10 to 15 years removed from earning my black belt. The school still functions in my town. Regrettably, I haven't kept up on my training though. I sometimes consider starting again, but who knows? In my 45 years of being here, earning that belt is my most treasured accomplishment. I don't know why the fire went out so abruptly.
I also like what you were saying about managing the young students. We operated similarly with our young students.
I also agree with your philosophy about the belts themselves and what they represent. I always likened them to passing grades in school. I had a relative comment in response to my black belt, that I could probably kick some ass. I've never been one to fight in any circumstance. I didn't particularly enjoy sparring that much. Black belt or not, I wouldn't assume I would fair to well in a fight. I knew when I got my black belt that I was only at the beginning. I guess I decided not to go to college.🙂
I agree with all information. Black belt is a learning process to be a complete black belt instructor.. in 1995, I received my black belt, i said if i get certifications from famous martial artists, i will be a better instructor and eveyone will love me.
Today, i say leadership, discipline lifestyle, self-improvement, honesty, building community, mentorship programs, learning is a never ending process, training analysis, development of individuals for life. Nonone style is complete. I train the individual, not the style. I learn something new about martial arts every month and it been 30 years now.
If a school tells you you can earn a belt in a few years that school is not for you. Work hard, struggle, learn, and triumph to see how far you've come. Art of one dojo, Im glad you made this video.
For me it started as a childhood goal, now that I’m older and finally achieved it. I see it not only as completing that childhood dream but also as a symbol of the time I gave into learning the knowledge and skill to hold such a status.(started at 5 and got my black belt at 17)
When I first started with my school, the head instructor was only 1st dan. He had no problem promoting people to the same rank as he. (He was very humble) It was kinda like the feeling of the Round Table. We are all the same rank together, though we show the most respect and loyalty to the head instructor.
I agree on your point on white belt to black belt is the foundation, black belt is the beginning of the journey of the art
Black belt means this: Very high level of physical fitness, skilled in fighting, serious athletic ability Coupled with a winning competitive spirit.
When I got my black belt it was a great moment I felt great because I started my path at 12 and 13 later I got it . I started in Taekwondo when I move I was 4 belts away for my red black I meet kempo and I started from 0. I Belice black belt is more than just fighting is also be smart and change your life not be the same as you start
In my dojo it takes 10 years for a shoto deshi to obtain their shodan on average; 8 years minimum. 2 or 3 years for 1st dan if you're a uchi deshi. I was obsessed with trying to ensure that can get my black belt in 2030. Heck I was pushing to get my 6th kyu in January. But I got injured (going to physical therapy as we speak). This time has me thinking that being out is bugging me more then not getting the belt and what I'm really enjoying is the journey I'm taking. So once I'm healed I'm just focusing on the material and achieving my personal goals in the art.
Yes! Focus on the healing and then just enjoying the journey :)
Earned my black belt end of 2019 in Kyokushin😃was a hectic grading
That is a good version of Karate well done 👍
Congratulations
BlackDolphin90 thanks so much bud
Marc's Planet ah thanks man🔥
When I started with Karate the belts was so important. To become a Blackbelt was the bigest goal ever. A dream ! But then the funniest thing happend. As time went bye it become less and less important. When I was a Brown belt, it didn`t feel so important any moore. Now I don`t care about rank at all anymoore. I train for myself, my peace of mind, my health and to learn new things. 1 dan or 10 dan doesn´t matter to me.
In general, a black belt in Gracie Jiu-jitsu or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu takes so much longer to earn. Around 10 years. And a majority of that (almost all) is dependant on how well you spar. They have rules in place with regards to age limits and progression. Minimum age for blue belt if you follow IBJJF rules is 15 years old. Not going to see a 10 year old black belt.
I'll be testing for black belt soon and the meaning for me is as follows:
The color black is literally every color because it absorbs everything! It represents the cold recesses of space, an infinite void with no finite self. It has endless room for change, improvement and growth. It is a new beginning and therefore it should never end - but simply continue on it's path of discovery for knowledge, wisdom, and higher learning!
Much respect Mr. Dan! 🥊🥋
Absolutely agree. My daughter earned her poomsau kukkidon in Thailand last month. It took her 7 years. But she stuck with it and did it.
My instructor puts an equal focus on training the body and mind. For the kids he sends home daily schedules and character building sheets for them to fill out. They work on principles like modesty, perseverance, self-control etc. Only after completing these sheets and with parent’s approval can they earn stripes and ranks. I’ve seen firsthand how effective this method of teaching can be as my daughter is also a student and her behavior and confidence has improved remarkably. At only six years old she’s not expected to perform like an adult but she does have to “act like a black belt” which I believe will build healthy habits that will carry into adulthood. I am reminded of Grandmaster Parker’s crest and symbology of the tiger and dragon, earth and spirit, body and mind. Thank you Art of one dojo for your videos, I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
As a person who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair being a black belt doesn't mean being the best fighter for me. Will I ever win a tournament against other "normal" black belts? Probably not. Have I learned enough self defense skills to protect myself if someone attacked me? Absolutely. Am I learning the curriculum well enough to be a teacher? Definitely. I've become more physically strong and gained more control over my body. I've been working 27 years to accomplish the goal of black belt. I won't be typical but I'll be just as much a black belt is anyone else who earned it, besides if I say anything else other than that my an instructor will make me pay for it in sweat. My goal is close and I can't wait.
I definitely agree with you Mr. Dan. The belt shouldn't be the objective, but it's a requirement to measure your knowledge and skill. Much like SAT scores. There's good and bad with any trade off, so I say keep the belt system but realize it's just a measurement.
A black belt only shows that you were good enough on the day of testing. Dans to me mean you met the standard and continued to push yourself and keep your mind open to learning.
I achieved my black belt nearly four years ago and now teach others. It wasn’t just me who earned the belt, it was earned by my instructors who put a lot of effort into my development as well.
I hope I get this across is my teachings, when coming up for grading I always tell my students that if they have failed it’s because I have failed. Yes a belt is just fabric but it’s visual proof that I or my instructors never gave up. To me being a black belt is as much about attitude as it is about achieving a certain level of competence in the art.
Those who taught me, continue to teach and test me, I do the same to my students as they will in turn to their students. I get a kick out of watching someone come into the dojo for the first time and watching them grow and develop as a martial artist over time.
Just stay humble and realise that you can learn as much from a student as they can learn from you.
You attitude determines your altitude! OSU
I just recently gained my 1st degree Black Belt (June 26, 2020) in American Karate/Taekwondo, It took me 26 years to achieve this goal, not because I wasn't capable, but because I felt unsure of where I stood in the Martial Arts, I got into it because I was bullied as a young kid, but it meant so much to me. I studied but never thought about being a Black Belt although it was a long term goal, I was told by my past Instructors that I carry myself as a Black Belt, i just never thought I deserved it until recently, I was a 1st degree Brown Belt for my whole adulthood, I'm 45 years old. Achieving this Black Belt was a elusive goal that was very emotional upon earning it. Just thought I'd share. Let me say I love your station and what you present.
Thank you very much, I'm glad you are a part of us and I hope you continue to enjoy the videos :)
I was taught that getting your Shodan ( 1st Degree Black belt ) means you have learned to master all the basic techniques and have some idea of how they work in application .
if you trained every week and put the effort in over a period of around 5 years that with steady progress , you should get to that level .
the Dan grades up to Godan ( 5th dan ) are assessed by a national grading body .
in my case with Shotokan in England , its either SKE or KUGB
after that , its honorary .
when at 4th kyu ( purple belt or blue depending on the club) upwards as a young adult, you could be allowed to train in the adult advanced classes as well as your own .
the advanced classes were mainly concentrating on bunkai and deeper learning with other black belts up to around 3rd to 4th dan .
it was a great experience as everyone was still learning to apply what they have learned from the sensei but having people more advanced than me helped too as we could all pick up techniques quicker and be safe to apply them as everyone knew to use proper control .
It means you are a "master" of the basics....well you should be.
the thrill of getting my black belt was awesome. it was a sense of accomplishment, i pushed through all the barriers. Now i have a 3rd degree black belt in kempo after 20 years of practicing and studying the art.
This does not apply to McDojo.
One of my favourites saying is... "How long does it take the average person to get a Black Belt? The average person does not get a Black Belt" Earning a Black Belt is a combination of blood, sweat, tears, commitment, sacrifice, bloody noses, broken ribs, dislocated toes, bruised elbows, sprained ankles, heart ache, excitment and joy. Yes, I leaarned a whole lot of techniques the hard way.
Getting my Black Belt, 20 years ago was one of the most humbling moments of my life, funny I did not think it was that back then. I thought my Chief Instructor had it in for me back then. I was so prepared for that grading both mentally and physically. I was the fittest and strongest I ever had ever been before in my life.I was the number 1 contender in my devision for full contact and I had just won a major National competition. I was unstopable during that grading and at the end of it all, my Chief Instructor looked at me and said ... " Sorry, you have failed, better luck next time" and walked away, I was devastated. I was truly crushed. I could not believe it. I was so angry and I wanted to quit.
However, that Monday, I was back in class training. I swallowed my pride and just kept at it until it was time to grade agian and this time I passed. In fact halfway through the grading the Chief Instructor walked up to me called me out and awarded me with my Black Belt. His words were..."I know you know your work and I know you are fit, that is not what I wanted to test in you. I wanted to test your reslove and I wanted to see if you could be humble in defeat... You passed"
Since then I have moved on to other styles and systems but I will never forget that lesson. My own personal opinion is that from White Belt - Black Belt you question nothing and take in everything you can. Once you earn your Black Belt, you question everything and that is when your Martial Arts journey begins.
I relate to this so much on a personal level. While I understand the need for belts in an achievement culture like those in schools, it is important to take into account one's own honest development and growth, and not treat the belt as an end in and of itself.
I'm a taekwondo black belt, I now study under jack morris in kenpo he told me to wear my current rank and said a black belt is a black belt . I must say being 40plus now kenpo is so much easier on the body than tkd
The legitimacy (or lack thereof) of a particular association, federation, or training program is a separate issue from gaining a black belt, and a person's choice of how to train to earn their black belt can reflect their character. So, if I don't know where the belt came from, I don't assume a person is anything just because they wear a black belt, I need to see them perform first.
A 1st Dan black belt in most martial arts indicates mastery of the BASICS, therefore it is an important waypoint but not a final destination. In our association, we sometimes see students get to 1st Dan and disappear, but most of them continue to train, become instructors, and earn progressive Dan grades.
As far as all the weirdness you experienced among the first school you trained at (with personal conflicts, promotions, and pay raises), I have to say I've never experienced any of that. Perhaps that's because our association of schools are run as a hobby rather than a career, with classes taught out of recreation centers where we're paid from the rec center budget. I've heard some prejudice that YMCA or rec center martial art schools are not legit, but in some cases I'd argue the opposite, because sometimes it's the difference between instructors doing whatever it takes to keep the bills paid versus those who teach because they're passionate about their art.
My first opportunity to test for 1st Dan is coming up in September, after almost 4 years of training. I trust my instructors to let me know if I'm ready, or if I need to wait another 3 or 6 months. It'll happen when it happens, but our instructors are insistent that black belt is not an end, but rather a beginning.
I reached the yellow belt in International Taekwondo when I was 14. I also studied Pa qua, for me karate is a way of life, the ability to fight gives you the confidence to go forward in life and accomplish your goals becoming a better person. This is the philosophy of Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern karate and founder of Shotokan karate.
Pl
Your awesome man. Appreciate your videos
Thanks for the video and many good thoughts. I have around 30 years in martial arts from which around 10 years as an instructor (and yes, i have that magical black belt). The way i see a black belt is first and foremost as a sign of commitment. The one with the black belt is the one who put in a lot of years, effort and sweat to learn things he/she really wants to learn. Black belt is a sign that this was done. It is impossible to compare belt requirements between martial arts. Some are competition oriented (my son competes in judo (this i have very little knowledge about, though I’m learning some watching him) and it seems to me that ranks are very much depending on how much the he/she competes and how succesful they are. Some martial arts are very selfdefense oriented, the requirements there are and should be very different. Some martial arts focus on skill and prservation of culture and so on. Also the requirements for the black are and should be flexible i side the same martial arts, they cannot be the same for everyone. If i have a 20 year old and 50 year old white belt who begin their journey in towards a black belt (which should’t be a goal to anyone but lets be real, for many it is) when we look at them after 10 years of training their capabilities and performance will not be the same. But the effort a 50 year old puts in the art might even be bigger yet his/hers skills and performance can’t be compared. That they 60 year old should be compared to other 60 year olds with similar background. Funny though, theolder i get the less meaning the belts have for me and also my reasons why i train are completely different. Nowadays my primary goal is learning new things. I have really no interest in competing or selfdefense anymore. I just want to stay healthy and learn new things. That’s why i’m (after appr 10 years in karate, over 15 years of krav maga, appr 5 years of boxing) now a very happy white belt in Daitoryu. A very different martial art that i’m used to. For me, the key is learning and developing. That’s where the black belts mindset should be. Dalai Lama once said, ” when you talk, you just repeat what you already know. When you listen you might learn something new.” Learning, commitment and attitude, i think those are elements a black belt is made of.
Like that last quote a lot, it has a lot of truth to it, thank you for sharing.
Love your channel. The black belt to me signifies mastery of the curriculum and most importantly, mastery of self. At my dojo we have had students who had disabilities or circumstances which prevented certain techniques. My sensei aspouses that anyone should be able to train in martial arts.
I agree with what you're saying. I like what you're saying. The Bell doesn't mean that much. Have the time you think it does. Then you realize it doesn't. And you're always learning.
Theres a old lady i go to class with. In 2004 i was a blue belt, she was a brown belt. I recieved my 1st degree Black belt in 2007.. she was still a brown belt. Now she attends every class, every party or any gathering, tries her best, is super respectful to everyone and loved by all. Shes not some competition level fighter, shes a lil old lady, so do u not give someone like her a black belt mearly based off of physical ability? Tbh ive seen skilled Black belts that dont have the level of commitment she has! She eventually got a black belt and everyone was happy for her! But at the same time shes not expected to teach class or spar with visitors from other dojos or go win tournaments either.
Exactly...context is everthing sometimes.
Love this video my instructor always says a black belt is just a white belt that didn’t quit
What a black belt should be is someone who carries themselves in way that does not makes you think "I could take him, no problem" nor "she could take me, no problem." A black belt should be someone who carries themselves in a way that makes you think "I have no idea which one of us would come out on top, and I have no interest in finding out."
SHOULD: You earned it (hopefully)
SHOULDN'T: Everyting thinks you know everything or that YOU think you do.
I think the black belt is something that should be strived for but not just because it's a black belt but because it represents all the time energy and knowledge but I do feel that to many people (claim) to be black belts without the time or knowledge and it has taken away what it means in the eyes of so many
Oh man I also laugh when nervous. It gets me in trouble a lot.
As always great video sir
best belt explination iv heard yet. as far as special needs, there milestones maybe different than others, its your school, what do you want your black belt to mean? not just the belt you give at your school; but the one you as the teacher is wearing. I think that is the only question that matters.
Insightful video as usual. Regarding your point about upholding the expectations of your rank: my instructor said something interesting to me a ways back: "As martial artists, we cannot afford to be 'right.' That's why I'm not afraid to go back and check the manual."
Our federation has fairly detailed books from our grandmaster and we've often used them in class to double check and polish our techniques. I also took a bit extra home with me from quote for when it comes to arguing but that might be off topic 😛
I started Shotokan in the early 80s I will be 53 this year I never received my black belt went all the way to Brown mainly because I never tested don't study as much anymore but it's still there really the belt does not mean anything to me anymore there's an old saying the difference between a master and a beginner the master has made more mistakes...
Great question! I'm weighing it out myself. I'm curious to read the comments on that.
I like how you ended this segment it's not about the belt but what you put into it. That's what I noticed in my old Taekwondo school. Some kids would put more effort into their training then others and the lazy still got promoted. I first thaught it was unfair then I began to realize the only person they are fooling is themselves. Like anything else in life you get out of it what you put into it. To me a black belt 1st Dan, should only be awarded to a student who has a firm grasp of the basics.
I've been in the martial arts since I was about seven or eight. I haven't been able to stick with one art for long. Sometimes it's because I've moved and haven't been able to find the same art in my new area, other times I've had to stop for financial reasons or personal injury.
There was a good ten year period where all I had available were dvd instructionals. I used this period as a spiritual growth period and studied the more esoteric parts of the martial arts.
I found a very friendly bjj school nearby and started about 8 months ago. It's amazing. What I appreciate about it, and capoeira for that matter, is that you have to put in the years to even get one belt. I can feel my improvement. I know that if I live to see a black belt, I would have earned it with my sweat and bones...
this is an excellent video
Having special accommodations for students with special needs is the hallmark of a more equitable society. Black belt for a regular student may be a level where you can trust that student to teach others. But for the special needs student who is non-verbal, there's no way for them to achieve that. So you have a choice. You can deny them the black belt because you are measuring with the same ruler as everyone else. Or you can find a ruler that is appropriate for that student. Much love.
Thank you for putting this segment : I feel it is different experience getting the black belt . When I got my first Black Belt in Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu I was teenager and it was really big deal. Incidentally this style of Kung Fu did follow a ranking system but they used sashes instead of belts and called them levels 7th level was considered Black belt level and you were given a black sash. Later when I got black belt in Tae kwon do ; it only took me about 3 years. Now I'm learning BJJ for 4 years and I'm still learning .My question for you is regrading my son . I had him trained in TKD since he was 6 years old and I had him train in Arnis , My son was really good at both arts but when he got his black belt : he stated to me that he was bored with TKD even after winning National titles in sparring. I couldn't get my head around it. I mean I got my black belts with hard work and I had to work on getting the techniques but he was born with the talent and was miles ahead of me when I started training, I tried to encourage him to train again but he only practices his kick once in a while and he can still do them. How would I be able to encourage him to come back to the martial arts and realize his full potential? Thanks for your good work on the videos .
That is not an easy answer but one thing is for sure, do not FORCE him to train in a particular art. If he feels pressured he'll only resent it more. Maybe come right out and ask him that if he's bored, WHY is he bored? Would what he find challenging? Maybe ask him if he could choose to learn anything with the martial arts, what would it be and then try to encourage that? Sometimes a new perspective or experience could be invigorating. Open communication between both of you, expressing why you think it's important to train but let him explore the avenues that he would find interesting. He may just not feel challenged, so maybe an art that would challenge him would be great. Has he tried BJJ with you? Maybe bring him with you to a class?
Art of One Dojo : I have tried but he was not too thrilled about it . Then I let him use his TKD against my BJJ and I only tickle tapped him out . Meaning I didn’t want to hurt him and only submitted him by tickle him: Thank you for replying and you have some great insights
I think you could easily tie this discussion with the earlier one about 'why you train'. The "why" will strongly shape one's feelings about the black belt. For those in my age group and experience level, achieving the belt itself felt very much like taking a tiny little step near the top of a mountain peak. The work was in getting to that point, and the last step was to get the belt itself. If you feel that martial arts is all about combat training, then seeing kid black belts, disabled individuals with black belts, and so on, may feel a bit antithetical to the point of a black belt. If you feel that the belt is seen more as a "beginner" in the art, then each of those who attain that rank, regardless of physical ability or disability, are all seen as very early on a long, long path towards discovery and understanding. Yes, a black belt should 'know' more, but a true black belt is open and honest about what they don't know, which is generally much deeper than first glance. The kung fu system I study has several hundred forms in it - and getting your black belt means you've learned the first 21. There's a long, long way to go after that! Ultimately, knowing the why you train, and finding the system that aligns as close as possible to that why will mean that the black belt one earns will have true value to that person.
I remember learning chinto as a 2nd degree blackbelt. My friend's dad is a 6th degree black belt in isshinryu; he said they teach that form to purple belts and they never promote children to black belt. Then he told me about the Sanchin Test. Tang Soo Do doesn't have the Sanchin Test. We never learned that form. It came over from China to Okinawa. It's the first form you learn in White Crane. You can see elements of it all through the old karate forms down to those dynamic tension slow moves in jite/sip soo that no one ever explained why we do it that way (the part in sip soo where you get hit by a cane is gone). I quit karate after learning the testing fee for master was more than $1,000.00. I went with the two rank system: teacher and student. I tossed my black belt certificates probably about 10 years ago. Pieces of paper don't really represent what I've learned in the last 30 years. I also don't need to pay a few thousand to join an exclusive club without a pool.
I was honored and proud to earn my 3rd° black belt cause I put in 12 years of hard work to get it and am working toward my 4th° in late 2025. We don’t pass em
out like candy, we earn them!
To me if you train hard . You earn your black belt . You can set goals and achieve them.
Thank you for the video. I was very fortunate to have learned and trained under Shihan Kenneth Funakoshi in his Funakoshi Shotokan Karate Association here in Hawaii. We were introduced to Shotokan Karate by being given the book of Gichin Funakoshi to read as part of our training. When Shihan left to open his dojo in San Jose his son Sensei Kevin took over the dojo here in Hawaii. The one thing I appreciated was that the training was very disciplined and every move/pose was explained in detail so you understood what the technique was for. Everything had meaning. Rank was last on the list and a result only of your achievements. Not like some dojo’s today.
One thing that really bothers me is how most everyone pronounces Karate incorrectly. Can you listen to the correct way to pronounce Karate and spread it on your channel? Out of respect for the art of Karate? 🙏🏽
One should have pride in every belt colour (especially white) because statistically speaking, they are doing something that 97-99% of the population will never do.
It's all about becoming a better you
I'm onto my brown belt in American Kenpo. Excited to see what the black belt test is gonna be like...
I have a very strong opinion about those who should obtain black belt. I see black belt as a sacred rank in martial arts. A black belt needs more than just advanced skills in sparring and katas. They need to be of sound character. They also need to have the ability to understand people as they are expected to teach.
In Karate, we call the Black Belts "Dan" ranks. At 1st and 2nd Dan, I believe one can teach but should not run an entire dojo on their own. Around 3rd-4th Dan is when someone should expect to be able to run their own dojo.
I actually have high functioning autism and I enjoy Taekwondo, I actually spar better than most the other black belts, I am a senior blue belt and I am climbing through the ranks fast and I understand the material and the basics I help instruct sometimes to the little kids.
I'm being privately taught Karate and I wasn't given a belt nor a Gi. I'm just shown the techniques, my stability and movements checked and the rest is homework. One of my Senseis says he ran out of stuff to teach me so I take that as my diploma for the basics at least. The words "Your technique, structure, etc. has improved" are my belt ranks and stripes. I think having a blackbelt and wearing it in the wrong places or word getting out that I'm a black belt or whatever color belt could attract bullies or challengers and I intend on living a quiet life.
I know this video is a few years old but I just now saw it. I am personally getting close to my brown belt in Isshinryu and I have a ton of physical issues that, for all intents and purposes, should deny me rank. Back issue, breathing issue, heart valve issue, etc. I’m not completely fragile but to the point where I know I will not meet the requirements.
With that said, I’ve discussed this with my Sensei and thank God for him because he made me understand that my future in martial arts lies in teaching. Not tournament, not kumite…teaching. Someone has to pass on the knowledge to keep our style alive.
I have always said that I value the knowledge over the obi around my waste and now more than ever as I have begun assisting in teaching the Juniors class the basics and first kata.
I guess my point is that if each belt helps the student grow to be a better person and they can help the person below them in rank to grow, then it is valuable but it’s the knowledge and passion for the art that really matter
If I am denied further promotion, then so be it. I am prepared for it and will keep trying to move forward. The one thing I cannot ever lose is the knowledge.
Great channel keep up the good work
If you tell someone you have a black belt, and especially if you wear it, you should have an honest explanation prepared. How long did it take you? How frequently did you train in that time? Were you constantly building on well established basics? What changes did you observe in yourself in that time? Any milestones? Independent study? What was the test like, how did you prepare, and how did you perform? Have you found yourself to be a source of information that others are eager to ask questions and learn from? So, what's next for you? And obviously, can you use it effectively? So much more to it than many people realize.
I never used belt systems in my dojo for a very long time. It's true for everyone but kids big time they like to see a physical representation of progress, even adults do to a great degree. My issues were personal and most people I trained were fighters or people who wanted to learn real self defense and most of them didn't care about a "rank" belt. Well of course the funds didn't meet my needs and I shut down. I do however still teach but now I established a belt system and it has helped. Now all I need to do is make it kid friendly and state focusing on the little ones and start making cash again. Teach the kids because that is were the money is so I can do the actual teaching I want to do. But it takes the cash flow of kids to make that happen.
The first time i got a black belt, it was a very special feeling of achievement. After a time i realized it isn't anything all that special at all. It can be a useful goal for beginners, but in the end, they need to know its not the belt that matters, but your skills, experience and how you have grown and continue to do so.
You can treat everyone the same with gradings. The belt isnt just about skills in my opinion.
I recently took my Shodan exam in Shorinji Kempo - it felt like I had passed, insofar as I knew the material and executed it as best I could, but I was also exhausted by the end of the test, and it made me very aware that my stamina was still quite poor. In the delay between the test and hearing the result I returned to my normal class, and became even more aware of the areas where I needed to improve - in my overall fitness and endurance, in my general flexibility and in areas of technique that, although I could perform them, still needed sharpening and tightening.
It reminded me very much that obtaining a black belt represented only the beginning of becoming proficient at my art, and gave me an incentive to train even harder to perfect and round out my abilities as a martial artist.
There is only one person I am trying be better than. Regardless of my belt colour. It's the person I was last week.
One things for sure though, a majority of people wouldn’t be able to receive a black belt in Kyokushin. It’s tough as hell.
Yes it is. I'm pushing through to get that shodan especially after my Sensei was nice enough to show me a portion of what will be expected from me and I want to do.
scw2007 I respect you. At least when you earn it and start wearing it, you know it’s genuine.
I trained in martial arts for over 30 yrs. With one if my instructors and I made it to brown belt but never got black belt. That hurt. Do I continued my own research and continued the journey. I train for the love not rank. My skills are important. Now I don't care about rank just knowledge and skill.
This summer I’m training for my black belt in Shotokan. I’m trying to train and live up in o the mindset of it. It is not lost on me that my Sensei believe in my ability. I will take it with grade pride and respect.
I am also struggling with my own ability with my belt. Especially in Bjj where I’m a blue belt because I don’t feel that way with rolling. I trust my instructor belief in me. I give it my best. My whole mindset now is to get better in my fundamentals. In karate and Bjj. Practice,practice,practice.
I’ve only made it to yellow belt. But I never really continued as a kid or as an adult because it was pricy just to keep going to the dojo. I’ve learned from other martial artists that belts do and don’t matter. Keep in the mindset of a white belt because there is always something knew to learn.
ElbertTrebleForce belts mean nothing man. In the coffin everybody is the same. The streets don’t give a fuck what belt you are.
tbh the belt itself means nothing to me without the effort put into it I remember back in highschool my instructor pulls me aside after my third day of no point 3 -0 sparring matches in the last three days and he sincerely asked me why i was still wearing my yellow belt when i should at least be a green belt based on skill level was at least two ranks higher in his opinion I told him the truth that i simply didnt have the money to do the test but was very thankful for the compliment so i never looked at the belt as anything more than a piece of fabric i tie to keep my gi closed in the first place i ended up sparring with blue belt rank and Higher for the rest of that program that year
Everyone enters the martial arts through different portals and for varying reasons with personal goals and expectations. The longer one sticks with it those reasons change as you take your personal journey. When I reached shodan at age 20 my journey didn't lead me towards further Dan promotions. I was studying different arts and forms of fighting, which was my goal at the time. I'm perfectly happy with that.
This is a difficult topic.
JKA Sandan in Shotokan, Rob Redmond called the belt system and its inherent issues, the kudzu of karate.
On one hand, you shouldn't focus on the belt, but belt statistics (3-5% ever get it, 1 in 1000 martial artists ever get it) are often used, black belt clubs, black belt patches, black belt classes... few instructors ever state, how one becomes better at karate, they talk around this topic, in belt speak.
Martial art belts are a physical, visual representation of an idea, effort, time, training, etc.
Maybe we all should just wear rope around our waists.
I'm on both sides of belts. First I don't think belts matter because martial arts is an art and it becomes a part of you, mastery of self, but then we need bts to teach because people want to see the black belt/ red belt. Similar to a degree.
My goal is to be the most Efficient, Accurate, and Powerful Striker that I can be. I have never had a black belt, and probably never will. But I am confident that I can hold my own against any opponent that is a somewhat similar size to me.
Personally, I refused to test when it was time to get mu black belt. There was too much politics, and I saw too many 1st and 2nd Dan's who thought they were hot stuff because they were a black belt, but A: they let the belt go to their head, and B: they couldn't fight their way out of a wet paper bag. And C: they seemed to look down on lower ranks, even if they didn't know their backstory.
I started training in traditional taekwondo(old ITF style, only 3 generations down from General Choi, so it was more like Shotokan then that soft Olympic sport style tkd), after I got hurt training for the cage. So when I show up, in my late 30s and stocky, these 20 something 1st Dan's are trying to school me like one of the elementary school kids. That was a turn off.
But the main reason I never tested for 1st Dan ifs that the school was attached to a large organization, and though my teachers were great instructors, they had to use their own money to keep ther doors open, because all the test money went to the "greatgrandmaster". Now he may have taught the grandmaster, who taught the masters, who taught me... but I couldn't support him when he didn't teach me, and left his students to pay the bills ot of their own money when plenty was coming in. Especially since he had a non-compete clause in the form to sign for your black belt test.
Unfortunately, I haven't found another ITF style dojang to go study at and test with. Now everybody is into that WTF/Kukkiwon/sport stuff, and I'm not into that.
So my highest rank is 1st Gup/ brown belt. Even though over trained many years in many arts. But that's ok, because I try to keep the white belt mentality: that you can learn anything, from anyone, at anytime.
Plus, I firmly believe that a belt is for holding up your pants.