Written by What it means to be a black belt (…should I pass!)
Setting a goal and sticking to it! No quitting, no excuses! In my very early days at the beginning of my training sensei made a comment about putting a picture of a black belt on the refrigerator as a reminder of the goal. It really comes down to not giving up, even when my mind or body tries to argue otherwise!
It is not just about the goal or destination of achieving Shodan, it is as much about the journey and experiences along the way. I truly believe I am a better person—more grounded and confident, than I was before I started. The comradery, new friendships and common experiences we have in our dojo family have to a great extent brought more meaning and purpose to my life; that I am connected to and a part of something bigger than just myself by living the “way of karate” and taking these practices and principles out of the dojo and into our community.
Achieving black belt reinforces for others to witness what can be accomplished with perseverance, resiliency, discipline and practice-practice-practice. It is so much more than the individual challenge (and challenge, it is!), but it is about inspiring others on their journey and honoring the masters who came before us; the black belt we wear is symbolic of those that walked the path before us.
A new beginning—being a black belt will usher in new discoveries and the transition into a different phase of training and depth of learning karate. I am eager and curious to see what lies ahead as I continue my journey as a practitioner of Isshinryu karate.
The past 13 months of my black belt candidacy have been the most challenging & contrastingly rewarding period of my life to this point. I have had more injuries in a one year period than I’ve had since my accident many years ago. I pushed through many aches, pains, physical and mental exhaustion to train as to meet the requirements. Yet, through these challenges I too have been greatly rewarded with a renewed confidence, a strong bond & friendship with my black belt training partner, Dirk-san, and our common purpose helping each other to stay accountable. I know that my black belt, should I pass, will have been truly earned because the bar sensei Oliver has set is extremely high.
And I know that if I do achieve Shodan, it will be my responsibility and obligation to help carry the tradition of our discipline and supporting principles & practices forward. That I am a part of a small minority of martial artists that are on a journey to further hone, learn and experience the way of karate, and therefore a part of a brotherhood and sisterhood in the common study and practice of our art. This is the essence of what it means to be a black belt.
Congratulations David and Dirk! It was an honor to be witness to – and participant in – this test of your knowledge, character, and spirit, and well deserved achievement and recognition .