Finding the meaning of Black Belt
There is a story that Master Chang has told many times:
Being the best Karateka
A young boy travelled across Japan to the school of a famous martial artist. When he arrived at the dojo he was given an audience by the sensei.“What do you wish from me?” the Master asked. “I wish to be your student and become the finest Karateka in the land,” the boy replied.“How long must I study?” “Ten Years at least,” the master answered. “Ten years is a long time”, said the boy. “What if I studied twice as hard as your other students?”“20years” replied the master.“20years! What if I practice day and night with all my effort?”“30 years”, was the master’s reply. “How is it that each time I say I will work harder you tell me it will take longer?” the boy asked.“The answer is clear. When one eye is fixed upon your destination, there is only one eye left with which to find the way”
I heard someone say a little while ago, “If I know I’m going for my Black Belt, I’ll train much harder”.
Of course, when you are testing for Black Belt you naturally increase the intensity of your training – you want to do your best.
At Chang's Hapkido Academy though, the Black belt test is taken...then a few months later you must complete a written test...then you must continue to wait for your result. It’s a long process that might last 6-12months.
All through this process Master Chang asks me about your attitude, your attendance, how you treat your instructor, what else is happening in your life.
This seems a lot; does it seem too much?
Mr Presser, who was awarded his black belt in March 2008 would probably say that the process made his achievement even more special. I would agree. If it was easy, or simply about performing for one hour on one day, somehow it would be worth much less…
Through this long process, Master Chang not only checks the external – your physical abilities – but also your internal.
Are you motivated just because you have an external goal? or have you found inner motivation? for example.
So often we look outside when we are lacking something inside…
Being the best Karateka
A young boy travelled across Japan to the school of a famous martial artist. When he arrived at the dojo he was given an audience by the sensei.“What do you wish from me?” the Master asked. “I wish to be your student and become the finest Karateka in the land,” the boy replied.“How long must I study?” “Ten Years at least,” the master answered. “Ten years is a long time”, said the boy. “What if I studied twice as hard as your other students?”“20years” replied the master.“20years! What if I practice day and night with all my effort?”“30 years”, was the master’s reply. “How is it that each time I say I will work harder you tell me it will take longer?” the boy asked.“The answer is clear. When one eye is fixed upon your destination, there is only one eye left with which to find the way”
I heard someone say a little while ago, “If I know I’m going for my Black Belt, I’ll train much harder”.
Of course, when you are testing for Black Belt you naturally increase the intensity of your training – you want to do your best.
At Chang's Hapkido Academy though, the Black belt test is taken...then a few months later you must complete a written test...then you must continue to wait for your result. It’s a long process that might last 6-12months.
All through this process Master Chang asks me about your attitude, your attendance, how you treat your instructor, what else is happening in your life.
This seems a lot; does it seem too much?
Mr Presser, who was awarded his black belt in March 2008 would probably say that the process made his achievement even more special. I would agree. If it was easy, or simply about performing for one hour on one day, somehow it would be worth much less…
Through this long process, Master Chang not only checks the external – your physical abilities – but also your internal.
Are you motivated just because you have an external goal? or have you found inner motivation? for example.
So often we look outside when we are lacking something inside…
- Maybe if I run the marathon then I’ll be fit, healthy?
- Maybe if I compete against someone in the boxing ring then I’ll be strong?
- Maybe if I train in 2 martial arts at once, then I’ll be a good fighter?
- Maybe if I earn £10,000 more then I’ll be secure?
- Maybe if I lose 10lbs then he’ll like me?
- Maybe if I do … whatever…. Then I’ll be worthwhile?
The ironic thing is that by seeking the answer externally – we get further away from the real answer – the internal answer.
That’s why the process isn’t instantaneous… time helps you reflect, and find the real meaning of black belt.
posted by Tammy Parlour at 9:10 AM
2 Comments:
I happened upon your name via a YouTube clip. Fascinated to see a female blackbelt Hapkidoin, I googled your name and found this site.
I am a current student of HapKiDo in the U.S.. There are a few female blackbelts here, and so, I am excited to visit your blog page and read your thoughts and musings of the art.
I have six months before my Redbelt test, which I am told is considered one's black belt test. I have subconsciously put undo stress on myself placing high expectations of my practice. By doing so, I feel I have hit a brick wall in my training. My GrandMaster explained that this is normal. But, it sure doesn't feel normal.
The story you wrote at the beginning of this blog is one I have heard before. Interestingly enough, randomly choosing a past entry, I clicked on Feb '07. You posted the exact story and related it to seeking perfection. It was very helpful.
I am glad I found your site and look forward to absorbing some of your wisdom, in hopes that one day I may pass it along to other students.
Hi Michelle
Thanks so much for leaving a comment. It's nice to know there are people out there in cyberspace!
From my experience, a lot of students hit the "brick wall" you described, even myself. I think we can sometimes spend so much time worrying about the wall (the symptom) when actually the more interesting part is something more deeper (the cause). Is it fear of failure? the need for perfection? or even something that has absolutely nothing at all to do with our training? What is amazing, is once we get to the core, it is as if we take away it's power - like a balloon that has been popped. So the next question might be - why the high expectations? and then why? and then why?...
I hope things go well for you.
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