How long SHOULD it take for your black belt?

[Master Jim Bonesho SR.]

4 to 5 years would be a good start for Black Belt

Time plays a big part in being a Black Belt

[KwicKixJ1]

what does it matter how long anyways? just practice. the belt isn't what makes you good.

it's like asking "how long is it going to take for me to be able to kick like that guy?"

pointless to answer. but... i think it takes at least 4 years to learn how to do the basics. stances, endurance, manners (very important), patience, and 4 years to learn that after 4 years you can't really say how much better you've become. only how much better you want to get, and that goal should take you a lifetime.

[sk0t]

I disagree...having a timeframe is beneficial...it give someone a timeframe...

You cant have goals without knowing when you can achieve it.

[KwicKixJ1]

i think the timeframes should be set on an individual level.

you can't expect someone who weighs 450 pounds, stands at a whopping 5'2, to be confident and skilled enough to test for black compared to a 6 feet, 165 pound, former basketball, and soccer player.

[unknownstyle]

"if you want to get a black belt that bad than you can go to a martial arts store and spend ten dollar and then maybe you can beat off an attacker with it" thats what ive heard my instructor tell us about people that just want to fly through it. in my school it should take you about four to five years to achieve a black belt, but people in my school that are only half way to black belt have already fought in tournys against black belts and held their own. if you train hard enough, the color of your belt aint gonna matter much

[sk0t]

<<"i think the timeframes should be set on an individual level. you can't expect someone who weighs 450 pounds, stands at a whopping 5'2, to be confident and skilled enough to test for black compared to a 6 feet, 165 pound, former basketball, and soccer player.">>

You said it should be set on an individual level...well someone who weighs 450lbs and is 5'2" might not be able to kick as high as you, or move as fast as you, but they know and can perform all the material, they are well versed in sparring strategy *although they lack the physical prowess to be great*, they should be denied their Black Belt because they are physically impaired...

So essentially you are saying that (excuse me for being rude here) fat people/cripples/* cant get their BB because they wont be ready...

I work with some developmentally disabled kids, and some of them have earner high ranks, I know some large people as well who have earned their BB, whether they are large or not isnt a concern with me as long as they can perform the material to a level I feel they should, and I think that is narrow minded to think otherwise.

Just cause you have your BB doesn mean you are a lean 6 foot tall TKD superstar.

[orion82698]

I'm personally not setting a time limit, or an expectation of getting one. Would I like to be a BB? Yes. Does that mean that I can defend myself or a loved one if in need? NO! Just because you say you can bench press 300lbs doesn't mean you can, and if you can, it doesn't mean you're doing it the right way. Just because someone is a BB, doesn't mean they're an experianced BB.

When my instructor feels I'm ready to advance in belts, I will. I trust my instructor, and his knowledge.

[unknownstyle]

thats a good way to look at it, i trust what my instructor think nobody else, afterall he is the one who has worked for 25 years to do this i think he knows best

[sk0t]

well, a timeframe is nice, unless you are at a McDojang, you wont get to test unless your instructor feels you are ready...

The question isnt that tho, it is how long should it take you to be ready...

3-4 years is a valid estimate...some schools water down their TKD to make it take longer, some dont have enough material.

I am gonna hear flack for saying this, but if a student trains 2-3 days a week for 3-4 years...and tests regularly and is the ideal student, there is no reason they shouldnt have their BB. It should not take 6 years for someone who trains regularly the entire time to earn a BB in TaeKwonDo (which is the only art I am making this reference too)...

Anyone agree or disagree...

[orion82698]

I have not studied any other art, except Shotokan, but I was very little. I agree with your statement. I don't think you should expect a BB in less than 3 years.