You can reach black belt if you follow my secrets, work hard, and don't give up.
During the last fifteen years of teaching karate for kids I have watched many obtain their black belts. I have also sadly watched many give up. It is especially heart-breaking to see them quit when they are close to obtaining black belt level. Why do some make it and some drop out? I strongly believe if you follow the following steps, you will have what it takes to pass the ultimate test–the black belt.
1. Give the Sensei your full attention. Look and listen when he or she is talking. You will learn a lot more. If someone is talking to you while the Sensei is explaining something, ignore them.
2. Focus your energy and thoughts on what you are doing–never mind what else is happening in the class. Visualize how each move would work against an attacker.
3. Stances are the key to success in all martial arts. Perfect the horse, cat, bow, sparring, or whatever stance your style teaches and you will be on your way to black belt.
4. Realize it takes many years of training to perfect your moves. Be patient with yourself, relax, and enjoy the process of learning and mastering the art.
5. Ignore anyone who says “You are not good at Karate/Kung Fu, etc.”. It does not matter what they think. You will be excellent in the martial arts if you put forth your best efforts.
6. Do not compare yourself to others in the class. Many of us are not gifted athletes, but we can be our best with practice. Your goal is self-improvement, and this will happen with time and effort.
7. Practice all your moves outside of class at least once a week. You will be amazed at the difference this makes and the Sensei will notice.
8. Try to keep yourself fit and flexible. Build up your heart and lungs. Running, swimming, bicycling, or any other activity that gets your heart pumping are the best. Do your stretches regularly so your kicks and punches have greater reach and you have less chance of injury.
9. Be dedicated to your training. There will be times when you don’t feel like going to martial arts class due to the weather or lack of energy. Go anyway and you will be glad you did. It will build your self-disclipine and you will feel great once you get there and start doing it.
10. Do not focus too much on the belts–they are not as important as the lessons you learn on your martial arts journey.
And When You Get There, Don’t Forget Where You Came From.
“Revision !” is the Word.
Insightful Matt,
I recall watching a couple of teen brown belts quit at about 2nd degree brown. I asked why and they told me it was just not what they wanted to do anymore. My guess is they were not enjoying the process anymore buy had gotten themselves stuck in a rut.
A karate black belt like any other goal in life takes some perseverance… there will be better and worst times but all help contribute to the breadth of knowledge it take to achieve a black belt.
Best regards
Thanks John, I think burnout contributes to a lot of dropouts. Passion is what carries us on to greater things and you can’t manufacture it. You’re right–in my book perseverance is the key. Sandor, going back to the basics is all-important, I agree.
Sensei Matt,
The feeling of getting a black belt is ecstatic. Its a feeling like i have gone to the moon. Yet some people miss out on this feeling, which disappoints me also.
Black Belt isn’t the end of karate, its the beginning. Black Belt is a step where if your passionate and with perseverance, you can achieve higher levels of karate.
With the training offered at the school in Wentworthville, I am achieving my goal bit by bit. I thank you Sensei and all the Black Gi’s for the enormous time and effort they put throughout the years i have been attending.
Keep it up everyone,
Vasilis
Thanks Vasilis, very insightful comments for a such a young person. I am chuffed to hear how this has affected your life. For some reason your comments got caught in the spam filter, so I apologize for the delay.
Vasilis,
Awesome comment!
if you keep that attitude in life, you will always achieve your goals in life. it has always been a pleasure learning karate with you.
Great article Matt. You really know how to reach kids.
Thanks for your comments Matt and Ivana. You are helping me make this blog a success.