i got my black belt in 3,5 years, i went three times a week, i dont understand whats so hard about it, you train hard, practice, it comes faster, u slack off, dont push yourself, it takes longer, im in tae kwon do, and the common rate for black belt is 3-4 years, i see nothing wrong with that, time has nothing to do with it, its all about maturitym disclipline and skill