Making of a Blackbelt
Understanding the making of an blackbelt. Everybody who has started their martial arts journey. Has said that one phrase “I can’t wait to get my black belt”? But what really what it’s all about are the characteristics of each practitioner that becomes the making of a black belt. Not actually the belt itself.
A black belt is a very important mild stone of your martial arts journey. Something you always think about from the moment, you first step foot in a dojo. I believe the most important thing to remember is to always remain humble. It is important never to develop an ego, as you go through the martial art process. Remember that a black belt is an achievement, not a title.
I truly was always taught that your belt is only there to how your gi together. Always of the process as you go through the ranks. Therefore, not to focus on the belt itself but Instead, focus on the characteristics of making a Blackbelt.
WHAT A BLACK BELT SHOULD NOT BE
There is nothing worse than a blackbelt who forgets the true meaning of becoming a blackbelt. We have probably all heard those sayings “a blackbelt is a white belt that never quit” or “ getting a blackbelt is only the beginning of your journey “. Remember a blackbelt is not invincible.
Here are a few quality you don’t want to see in a blackbelt.
- Has a bad attitude and a big ego
- Not supportive of lower belt ranks
- No respect for those around them
- Can’t provide constructive criticism in order to help other improve
- Doesn’t understand that students are more than just belt ranks.
- A blackbelt who has given up
- Also a blackbelt who thinks they are better than everyone else
- Blackbelts who brag about how they have used martial arts in many fights not just to the older students, but also the younger kids.
- Humiliates students in front of the class because they struggle with a technique
However, on rare occasions, a black belt’s attitude becomes consumed with negative energy. They are no longer truly a black belt because they have lost the foundation of what a black really means.
THE MAKING OF A BLACKBELT
In order becoming a blackbelt you need bring the focus back onto yourself, therefore remaining in control. If you think about it a blackbelt is just a product. You can just go into a martial art store and just by a blackbelt. But that does not mean you have become one.
The making of a blackbelt starts by the effort you have put in and the ability to educate and share your skills with the lower ranks. Self-focus works like a paradox; if you want the true making of a blackbelt, then forget about the belt. Just train to be the best you version of yourself and the belt will come.
1. YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE GREAT THINGS
Unfortunately, I have come across people complaining or even quitting because they too obsessed with getting a belt. Rather trying to put in everything they have into perfecting their technique. While also developing strength and performance than actually deserving the belt. This path will only lead to frustration and negativity.
Focus on improving your ability. Take responsibility for each part of your training. Wouldn’t you rather fail a few times and know there was nothing more you could have done. Or only give your training the bare minimum and scrape through. You would never feel content if you knew you never gave it your all.
The making of a blackbelt is what underlies your training ethic and clarifies your goals of who you want to become. Without having a set goal how will you train to achieve it? As I always say it is important to find your “why “ and this will push and drive your training.
In order to do this start your goals small and then building up the intensity overall. Such as “I will kick above my head”, “I want to improve my endurance”. Now think about these specific goals while training. Maybe find some martial art quotes to help keep you motivated. Also keep a open and positive mindset.
Therefore, now you are focused on your goals, ask yourself how am I going to achieve them. You can accomplish this either inside or outside of the dojo, whether that’s taking an extra class, training on building your endurance at home or working on your techniques.
2. LEAD WITH DETERMINATION
A black belt must always show a drive and spirit. Training only when you feel up to it is not a spirit. Great martial artist will will show consistency with their training and even if they can’t make it to the dojos. They would continue to train at home.
Blackbelts should never want to take the easiest path. Therefore, you must learn to love a good hard class, not just because you like the pain, but because you have strong goals to get fitter, stronger mentally and physically. The best thing about discipline in the dojo is that it teaches you the value of pushing yourself out of your comfort zones so that you can grow and conquer your dreams.
3. LEARN WHAT YOU NEED TO BE ON YOUR OWN
One thing I have established over the years of training is you cannot always rely on your instructor for advice on how to improve your martial arts. You need to think about what you want to an achieve by developing self-awareness so you can minimise your mistakes and create good technical habits. Remember that your sensei can teach you all the things you need to know . In your chosen martial art, but in the long run you are the one who need to be able to save yourself.
Think internal questions like “How could can I make this better?” “What can I do to get this to get more power?” Remember it also never wrong to ask your instructor questions even though your thinking might be outside of the box. There is no right or wrong questions when doing this, because in reality it’s all about protecting you .
4. FOCUS ON YOU
Achieving your black belt is a personal journey, one in which you should be focused on what you want from it. One of the biggest traps of poor thinking a student can fall into, is looking sideways at everybody else. Forget everybody else and focus on your martial art training. Focus on what you can do to improve and remember everybody started martial arts for a different reason. This is your journey and not theirs.
5. BUILDING CHARACTER AND HUMILITY
As a black belt you should remain humble. What I am saying, you are proud of your accomplishments, but you don’t go around boasting about them or becoming arrogant. Say for instance whether you have succeeded or failed your gradings. You do not walk around acting like you are better than everyone else. But thinking what you could improve for the next one.
A blackbelt should also not brag about all the fights they have been in and had to use self defence. Because this sets up a bad example and shows arrogance.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Blackbelts should remain humble and are always try to be the best versions of themselves. Martial Arts is a personal journey so don’t compare your experiences with anyone else’s. It’s never wrong to ask questions on how to improve your techniques and finally the biggest thing you need to remember in the making of a blackbelt think outside of the box.