Black belt-SHOdan

Preparing for your Black Belt

Attempting to test for your Black Belt advancement by no means implies you are a master. Nor does it imply you can defeat four or five opponents at once in kumite. The Black Belt represents many things. It implies you have developed:

• High level of self-mastery in both body and mind

• High level of self-discipline and etiquette

• Your kihon, kata, and kumite techniques that are becoming instinctive

Black Belt represents many other things like loyalty and commitment, but the above three put you in a position to begin the next phase of your karate journey with a fresh set of eyes. Remember, each time we advance, we do not get a “new” kata. On the contrary, we are introduced to “another” kata. In simple terms, when we are introduced to a new kata, we do not let the previous ones fall by the wayside. We are introduced to another because our instructor believes we are now good enough to learn another kata without allowing any previous kata to slip. The goal is to keep improving on each of them.

Ultimately, what your instructor wants to see in you before they give you the go-ahead to test for advancement is that your overall karate is very sound and has become instinctive. This progress must also be backed up with self-discipline, etiquette, and quality of character.

 

A Black Belt is Always a Black Belt

Karate goes well beyond preparing us for the unlikely meeting with an aggressive attacker. If it did not go beyond that, you will have wasted your time and money training for years without ever needing your skills. Karate aims to equip us with the values and life skills necessary to be a success in all areas of our lives. Therefore, as a Black Belt, from time to time, it’s important to stop and ask yourself, “Am I a full-time Black Belt?” What this means is, do you demonstrate the values and skills you practice in the dojo in every other area of your life?

For example, how can someone classify themselves as a Black Belt when they are respectful and humble in the dojo, but rude and arrogant outside the dojo?

Or why does someone classify themselves as a Black Belt when they are disciplined in the dojo yet undisciplined in their home, school or work life?

How can someone classify themselves as a great Black Belt when they are working hard to be the best karate-ka they can be inside the dojo, but at home they are a lousy partner/husband/spouse?

A true Black Belt understands that their attitudes in the dojo (for example, their attention to detail) should also apply to their people skills, school work, career, being a partner or spouse, being a son or daughter, being a father or mother, etc. Always remember, the dojo is an environment where we can learn to become our very best selves. A true martial artist then takes this and allows it to permeate into their outside life.

A true Black Belt:

• Is disciplined, both in and out of the dojo

• Is courteous and respectful, both in and out of the dojo

• Places humility over ego, both in and out of the dojo

• Believes that effort and focus will overcome any challenge, both in and out of the dojo

• Is self-confident without being arrogant, both in and out of the dojo

In the dojo, a Black Belt understands they are not a master. They are not afraid to ask for help, nor do they refuse feedback from others. A true Black Belt’s quiet self-confidence and humility allows them to behave and act without fearing what others will think of them.