What is a Black Belt?
People who have never studied martial arts often ask what a student does after s/he achieves a black belt? Getting a black belt is the ultimate martial arts achievement... isn't it?
Since we recently had two students promote to black belt, which takes a minimum three years of hard work and dedication, this would be a good time to share General Choi Hong Hi's words in regard to what it means to have achieved first degree black belt:
Significance of first degree
First degree—expert or novice?
One of the greatest misconceptions within the martial arts is the notion that all black belt holders are experts. It is understandable that those unacquainted with the martial arts might make this equation. However, students should certainly recognize that this is not always the case. Too often, novice black belt holders advertise themselves as experts and eventually even convince themselves.
The first degree black belt holder has usually learned enough technique to defend himself against a single opponent. He can be compared to a fledgling who has acquired enough feathers to leave the nest and fend for himself. The first degree is a starting point. The student has merely built a foundation. The job of building the house lies ahead.
The novice black belt will now really begin to learn technique. Now that he has mastered the alphabet, he can now begin to read. Years of study await him before he can even begin to consider himself an instructor and expert.
A perceptive student will, at this stage, suddenly realize how little he knows.
The black belt holder also enters a new era of responsibility. Though a freshman, he has entered a strong honorable fraternity of the black belt holders of the entire world; and his actions inside and outside the training hall will be carefully scrutinized. His conduct will reflect on all black belt holders and he must constantly strive to set an example for all grade holders.
Some will certainly advance into the expert stages. However, far too many will believe the misconception and will remain in novice, mentally and technically.
General Choi Hong Hi, Enclyclopedia of Taekwondo Vol. I, pg. 91-92. LINK
Since we recently had two students promote to black belt, which takes a minimum three years of hard work and dedication, this would be a good time to share General Choi Hong Hi's words in regard to what it means to have achieved first degree black belt:
Significance of first degree
First degree—expert or novice?
One of the greatest misconceptions within the martial arts is the notion that all black belt holders are experts. It is understandable that those unacquainted with the martial arts might make this equation. However, students should certainly recognize that this is not always the case. Too often, novice black belt holders advertise themselves as experts and eventually even convince themselves.
The first degree black belt holder has usually learned enough technique to defend himself against a single opponent. He can be compared to a fledgling who has acquired enough feathers to leave the nest and fend for himself. The first degree is a starting point. The student has merely built a foundation. The job of building the house lies ahead.
The novice black belt will now really begin to learn technique. Now that he has mastered the alphabet, he can now begin to read. Years of study await him before he can even begin to consider himself an instructor and expert.
A perceptive student will, at this stage, suddenly realize how little he knows.
The black belt holder also enters a new era of responsibility. Though a freshman, he has entered a strong honorable fraternity of the black belt holders of the entire world; and his actions inside and outside the training hall will be carefully scrutinized. His conduct will reflect on all black belt holders and he must constantly strive to set an example for all grade holders.
Some will certainly advance into the expert stages. However, far too many will believe the misconception and will remain in novice, mentally and technically.
General Choi Hong Hi, Enclyclopedia of Taekwondo Vol. I, pg. 91-92. LINK
Comments