Someone came up with an interesting topic or question about what does black belt mean and its value or significance. I thought it was worthy of a reflection. Once again, I will write an extensive blog about the topic. Plus the more I type, the more I improve my typing speed. LOL.
The criteria for black belt are different from one style to another. Some schools required board breaking while others do not think it is mandatory. Black belt exam is like a judge sport. You have guidelines but there is no right or wrong answer unlike a multiple choice exam. The head instructor, along with his or her assistants, judges your progression according to their criteria in the style or association they are affiliated.
Second aspect is the individual. We are built differently. Some are like naturally strong so they can break board and others are very fast or agile and some are flexible that they can kick very high. Every individual is different from one to the other. Each has his or her own injuries, genes, body, etc…Basically, we are all built different and our bodies react differently. Some in martial arts are better in forms, others in self-defence, others in sparring and others in board breaking.
Getting black belt is based on how often you train. Some schools are opened 6 days a week and some are offering two classes a week. You may read of people getting black belt within two years and others within 6 years. It is possible that a dedicated student spend three hours a day 5 days a week for two years. Some unfortunately can only go twice a week. Also, some are naturally skilled therefore fast learners while others struggle with techniques.
In some schools, there is an age requirement. In our society, we have age limits to drink and to vote depending on provincial or state laws. I never drank in my life. At age 17, I followed politics diligently. I even predicted winner and loser when I was not eligible to vote. I was too young. The age requirement is a good thing for society in general. It is a great rule of thumb and requires general concusses. Of course, there are always exceptions but in general, many people are not mature even after the drinking age or have no idea what are today’s issues. I am just uneasy when I see an 8 year old black belt but I am not a black belt so I am in no place to judge.
Finally, the head instructor takes his or her time to judge one’s performance. If yes or no, we should respect and not question the decision. Once I see a black belt, I am excited. It is like meeting a priest in church, you just want to hug and kiss even if you don’t know that person. Once a black belt is awarded, it is the beginning of the journey. As a colour belt, I want to walk that journey with them and have them walk with me. A black belt for me is a friend and a role model whom I can learn from. To all black belts, I LOVE YOU ALL. THANK YOU FOR PAVING THE WAY FOR US.
Tags: Black Belt
