What Is A Karate Black Belt?

Many hope to achieve the Status of Black Belt, but few understand what that means until they become close to testing for one.

The karate black belt, is it the ultimate goal of the beginning martial artist? -or- as in the description of a black belt color below, does it open an entire new universe of study, reflection, self improvement and understanding? This question can best be answered bu the martial arts school you've chosen to nurture you along the way to Black Belt Status.

Meaning of the Black Belt Color

As in our page "Karate Belt Colors", the meaning of the black belt color was said to be:

Black Belt or Sash: Black signifies the darkness beyond the Sun. A black belt seeks new, more profound knowledge of the Art. As he begins to teach others, he plants new seeds and helps them grow and mature. His students, many whom will form roots deep into the Art, blossom and grow through the ranks in a never-ending process of self-growth, knowledge, and enlightenment.

Charactistics Of The
Karate Black Belt Practitioner

Characterizing what a Black Belt is and or represents, in and of its self, is controversial. Its varied ambiguous interpretation altercates between individuals and organizations. However some of the culturally accredited, merited values and qualifying factors are:

Demonstration of the capacity for hard work and perseverance
Development of self-respect and the deep respect gained for others
An exemplary strengthening of moral fiber and high regard for family values
Strong desires to protect while adhering too and safeguarding personal beliefs
Learning to accept responsibility for your own actions and decisions
Gaining the respect of your peers and successful socialization with others
Accomplishing the basic physical Martial arts skills to the best of your ability
A symbol of excellence and the desire to do your best in every task you undertake
The ability to over come personal fears, climb hurdles and so increase in confidence
Demonstrate patience, kindness, and compassion at all times

What a Karate Black Belt IS NOT

Sometimes is it wise to describe what a Karate Black Belt should not be in order to make our point more clear:

A Black Belt should not be vain, proud or boastful and most certainly is not an expert
A Black Belt should not quit because obstacles and circumstances are tough or unfair
A Black Belt should never use his or her acquired skills except in self-defense
A Black Belt should never do anything to dishonor his or her role as a Martial Artist
A Black Belt should never forget his or her personification as a hero of justice

Is Black Belt The End?.. Or The Beginning?

At the top of the page we state that the answer relies on the school you trained in. The commercialization in some areas have led to a misunderstanding of what a Black Belt is. Therefore, it is incumbent on every martial arts master and black belt practitioner to set the record straight.

The system bestowed upon the practitioner the elite standing of black belt. Setting examples, demonstrating work ethics, possessing humility, orating discipline and leadership are essential to the growth of the body of practitioners they symbolize. Therefor this is an ongoing experience, one which cannot have an ending.

When students attain Black Belt status, be it Junior or Senior ranks they are merely looked upon as serious apprentices, youthful representatives of a system, which bestowed the elite privilege. Martial Arts code of conduct requires contributions too the assemblage molding them.

To work towards Black Belt with that goal being the end product is paradoxical and affronts the very design and nobleness of the elite standing.

If a student accepts a Karate Black Belt and then quits training immediately, they voluntarily weed themselves out of and cause the decaying of the system they embodied and which molded them. Since 1982 Allen Sarac's professional Karate Centers have required a one year apprenticeship period in order to maintain permanent Black Belt status.

If your goal is to achieve Black Belt standing for your own personal gains you do not posses the required attitude for maintaining the elite status. We all have a vested interested in our Black Belts and they need to understand their responsibility to propagate the system.

They are after all, Martial Artists, Black Belts.