How to be a Black Belt

First published Wednesday 15th February 2012

The main aim of any beginner or intermediate student of karate is usually to attain the coveted black belt. The black belt represents technical excellence, high ethical standards, and the ability to endure a strict and rigorous training programme. People with black belts are seen as being more than average karateka. They are rightfully seen as being highly disciplined and skilled exponents of the art.

So what are the steps that any student can take now to ensure a successful path to black belt? In this blog entry I will attempt to give you my top planning and training tips for becoming a black belt. If you read and follow these tips, you will significantly increase your chance of success in reaching your desired goal.

1) Define what being a black belt means to you personally

"If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else". By defining what the black belt means to you, you now have specific reasons to become one. You must take full ownership of your goal if you are to achieve it. Your instructors and fellow students will encourage you along the way, but the responsibility of reaching your goal lies squarely on your shoulders.

2) Set a realistic period in which to reach your goal

It typically takes three to four years of regular training to attain the level of 1st Dan black belt. If you say you are going to do it in a year, then you are definitely being over ambitious. Likewise, if you set a timescale of eight years to reach the goal, then you are probably not stretching yourself enough.

3) Break your overall goal down into smaller pieces

You cannot possibly learn everything that you need in order to become a black belt at once, so it is very important that you break down the syllabus into smaller bite sized pieces. Fortunately this has been done for you already, as each belt level has specific required content. Download a copy of the grading syllabus from the website and focus on what you need now, instead of what you will need further down the road.

4) Ask the current black belts in the club how they were successful

A black belt is somebody who has already achieved the goal that you are striving to reach. They obviously know what it takes, otherwise they would not be wearing the black belt. Do not be afraid to approach the black belts in the club and find out what it was like for them during their progression to black belt. They will more than likely have lots of great advice that will be very helpful, and will be more than happy to share their own successes, as well as the challenges they faced on the way.

5) Train on a regular basis

90% of success comes from showing up. There are no short cuts. Consistent and persistent practice will lead to positive progress and growth. You must make your weekly karate classes a priority and a necessary discipline in your ultimate journey to becoming a black belt. Books and training videos can be great tools, but you cannot learn everything you need from a book or a DVD. You need an experienced instructor who can guide you along the way, and who will give you encouragement, and constructive feedback.

6) Practice at home

Repetition and practice are the keys to success in anything that you do, especially in karate. Training on a regular basis is essential, but practice at home is also highly recommended if you are to make it to black belt within your desired timescale. Practicing at home allows you to work on the things that you know you need to practice more, and gives you a chance to digest the content learnt in the sessions.

7) Find a training partner who shares the same goal and push each other to the next level

There is nothing more motivating than a bit of friendly competition. Try to find someone in the club who is at a similar level and ability to you, and team up with them through your common goal of becoming black belts. Together you will be able to push each other through the tough times, celebrate with each other on each successful step forward, and keep each other focused on the result of your efforts.

8) Never give up on becoming a black belt

When the inevitable doubts as to whether or not you will be successful in reaching your goal rear their ugly heads, just remind yourself of one undeniable truth - Giving up on your goal guarantees failure. Persistence, on the other hand, will lead you to your desired result. If you are single minded in the pursuit of your goal, then giving up will never become an option. There are no hidden secrets or special training methods, just clear goals, consistent practice and hard work.

In future blog entries I will detail the expectations for 1st Kyu brown belts awaiting selection for grading to black belt, and I will also ask the other black belts in the club for their hints, tips, and experiences. As always, if there is anything that you would particularly like to know, just ask.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.

Sensei