WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A BLACK BELT

  An Essay written by fifteen year old, first degree black belt Brad Frederickson 

                  

 

Most people think of a black belt as an invulnerable fighting machine. 

In life, I have met many black belts, some of which didn't deserve what was around their waist.  Black belts should concentrate on more than a physical condition, and should be thought of as such.  A black belt is not something a person obtains with just money, speed or strength;  it takes much, much more. 

Being a black belt means being mentally and emotionally prepared.  For example, to become a black belt it takes years of practice and training.  This shows that, great dedication is necessary in preparation for each testing for every belt from white to black, and so on.  Discipline is also a very important step in becoming a black belt, whether it's

doing what you're told at home, or obeying a teacher in any type of learning environment (school, dojo, new job,...etc)  Plus any martial artist, especially a black belt, should have, show and receive honor.  In showing honor, a person also shows respect which is key in becoming a black belt, it is the first step in everything. Gratification is one of the last steps in being a black belt.  A person shows gratification to both the people who have helped them get where they are, and the people who want help in order to get there themselves.  As a black belt, one must re-evaluate themselves and decide what their next step in life will be. 

Most people are faced with many options after receiving a black belt.  For example, many of these people decide that teaching the art is the best choice to make.  In doing this, one will be able to pass on the knowledge they have accumulated over their many years of training.  Teaching is also a good way to relearn  the moves once so vivid in memory, but may now need a little remodeling.  In addition, a person may want to start new styles, while continuing in their original style as well. 

This would help to extend a persons horizons, but still sticking to their first art form.  Also, once a person knows more than one style they will have broadened their teaching capabilities and will be more able to assist in a lower ranks learning experience.  As a black belt there are many options available, as these are just a few of the multiple paths at the crossroads of their lives. 

As a martial artists, one should at least live up to these standards, as they are only a small part of becoming a black belt, both mentally and physically. There was once two black belts, one of twenty years, the other of eighty.  Now could the eighty year old kick  and fight as hard as the twenty year old?  or was there something else, something mentally more involved ?  Can a fourteen year old become as wise as an experienced eighty year old? Can a young teenager be as prudent as an older man?  Can I live up to everyone's expectations of a black belt?  Only time can tell.   

Brad is from Reseda California, this was an essay he wrote as one of the many requirements in his testing for the rank of first degree black belt which he passed with flying colors.  "Never Give up."