- The Black Belt

The Black Belt

Date Added: July 29, 2008 07:08:37 PM

People unfamiliar with a martial art expect a black belt to be some kind of “super-human”. Unaware of the complete system of ranking, they feel that when a person has attained the level of black belt, he/she has reached the top. The dark band symbolizes mastery of feats that ordinary men/women dare not attempt. Wondering, envious, still they are not quite sure just exactly what a black belt is. Materially it is nothing more than a strip of cloth 1½” to 4” wide and long enough to wrap twice around the waist. Yet, traditionally, it is a designation of expertise in a field. A black belt is a part of a system of advancement, and therefore stands as a symbol of improvement and achievement. HOW TO ACHIEVE A BLACK BELT The method by which a practitioner earns a black belt varies according to the system or style, his/her attitudes and culture. For example, Korean students train six (6) days a week, usually earning their black belt in 1½ to 2 years on the average. In the United States, a dedicated student will attend class approximately three (3) times a week and obtain his/her black belt at the end of 2½ to 3 years. Frequently a student can only come to class twice (2) a week or less, in which case it may take as long as four (4) years for him/her to achieve black belt. By comparison, the United States has a much shorter history in the martial arts than Korea, and therefore attaches less significance to it as a part of American culture. Neither does it have the tradition of attitudes and values. As a result, black belts are quite numerous in Korea, whereas they are a rarity and a curiosity in America. Because of the tradition of Taekwondo in Korea and the cultural differences that promote patience and perseverance, a Korean student is likely to get a black belt earlier. The greater availability of instruction, both through an abundance of studios and the installment of classes in elementary educational facilities along with the assistance of other black belts, also serves to encourage the student. The result is a high level of morale and a low level of dropouts. Perhaps one student in a hundred will make black belt in the USA. By comparison, one in ten Koreans will reach that level. The most important concept is that the amount of time it takes to reach a particular level doesn’t matter. It is the proper concept of the art and a continued effort that will eventually prove successful. THE VALUE OF A BLACK BELT Students who begin training in Taekwondo will learn most basics and several forms (Poomsae, Hyungs, Tul, Patterns) (patterns of offense and defense practiced solo) in a few months. They then begin adding to their knowledge with different types of sparring (1-steps, 3-steps, model, free) and gradually, as they progress through the color belt ranks (usually: White-Yellow-Orange-Purple-Green-Blue-Red-Brown), breaking techniques---all important aspects of self-defense. There will always be basics that the student must continually practice. Similarly, as the student progresses, there will be new, more advanced forms, new sparring techniques, greater levels of meditation, and more instruction in philosophy and history. How the instructor leads each student to a higher level will vary with the student’s ability and the instructor’s concepts and techniques. Each student must be taken as an individual, regardless of age, and taught the knowledge of the art. There are many divisions of black belt---pee wee, juniors, seniors, men and women. The symbol of a black belt is not ones ability to beat up the ordinary man on the street. It is the mastery of a certain amount of knowledge of a martial art. One need not necessarily be the best fighter in the class, or the tough kid on the block to become a black belt. Each person has a different purpose for studying and achieving a black belt. Consequently, each person will have developed some of the aspects and requirements for a black belt more highly than others. Some practitioners may be very good technicians, but have little knowledge of the “art”. On the other hand, some may be very wise and understanding, but have not developed into proficient technicians. The most important value in receiving a black belt will be the mastery of ones own conduct. It means that the holder has enough control of him/her self to set a good example to others as a human being. He/She will be able to set aside his/her own desires in order to help others. He/She will have firm control over his/her own emotions and temper, even in a difficult situation. He will conduct him/her self wisely and conscientiously. He/She will be able to determine his/her own moral precepts and stand for his/her rights and ideals. He/She will understand the difference between right and wrong, and weigh the outcome of his/her actions on him/her self and others. Above all, the black belt should not be a symbol of physical power. It should be a mark of character, the abi ...