When do people quit most?

[bushido_man96]

The problem with hitting black belt, and realizing that there are just more forms waiting, is that most people think they know all of the techniques, and have them perfected, so they just stop, thinking that it will stay with them.

I agree this is a fundamental problem.

I also agree with your other quote, about the instructor trying to establish if the student reaching black belt is their only goal. If our instructor finds out that the student wants to test to black belt and then quit, he won't test them. He feels like they are missing the point, and he will not give a black belt to someone who wants to quit. It makes some parents upset sometimes, but they don't realize that he is saving them money on a testing that wouldn't mean anything after the child quits.

[IcemanSK]

The problem with hitting black belt, and realizing that there are just more forms waiting, is that most people think they know all of the techniques, and have them perfected, so they just stop, thinking that it will stay with them.

I agree this is a fundamental problem.

I also agree with your other quote, about the instructor trying to establish if the student reaching black belt is their only goal. If our instructor finds out that the student wants to test to black belt and then quit, he won't test them. He feels like they are missing the point, and he will not give a black belt to someone who wants to quit. It makes some parents upset sometimes, but they don't realize that he is saving them money on a testing that wouldn't mean anything after the child quits.

That is the irony, isn't it? They'd be upset that you don't test their kid because the kid doesn't want to BE a BB, just have one. A lotta time & $$ can be saved by just ordering one & hanging it on the wall.

[Brandon Fisher]

Yeah that piece of cloth is cheap its the work thats expensive adn hard.

[ps1]

You know what would really mess everyone up!!! If we just changed the whole ranking system! Everyone who walks through the door starts at Black Belt. Then we could make the highest color something totally uncool. Like Yellow, or pink or tan. Or Yellow with pink polka dots and tan bunnies:)

[bushido_man96]

Me and my instructor agree that if you say you are a Black Belt, but don't practice anymore, then you aren't one anymore.

[ps1]

Me and my instructor agree that if you say you are a Black Belt, but don't practice anymore, then you aren't one anymore.

That's kinda like saying if a Boy Scout earns Eagle and doesn't stay in scouting, they aren't an Eagle anymore. I see where you're coming from...but I'm not totally convinced. Afterall...they may not practice the physical techniqes, but they may practice the over-riding concepts every day. Things like indominable spirit, respect, honor, trustworthy, critical thinking, strategy and so on. I say once a black belt (or tan or whatever belt) always a black belt. There are many grandmasters who aren't able to do what they used to do...does that mean they are no longer grand masters?

[BB_FIXR]

Personally, I started MA locally years ago in my first instructor's garage dojo. He was unable to continue training us, so I started going to the closest school of that style which was a 45 minute drive, one way. I kept that up until I made brown belt, San-kyu, and then dropped out. One of the factors was that the frequent long drives resulted in 3 speeding tickets, and I definately couldn't afford #4. I seem to recall that after going very reliably for that many years I was sort of burned out and also once I stopped for a number of weeks it was very (very) difficult to motivate myself into going again. That self motivation gets worse the longer you stay out, what will your Sensei say, your other class-mates, etc. Very self-defeating. Now I am back in and have made it to Sho-Dan under one of my former instructor's black belt students. I am fortunate to have an instructor who has a continuing program for us. He is looking outside our style, integrating Kobudo and involving us in the school. So far none of his Sho-Dans have quit, there are 10 of us, the first has gone on to Ni-Dan, and the next two are close to it.

[bushido_man96]

ps1:

Things like indominable spirit, respect, honor, trustworthy, critical thinking, strategy and so on. I say once a black belt (or tan or whatever belt) always a black belt. There are many grandmasters who aren't able to do what they used to do...does that mean they are no longer grand masters?

I understand what you are saying here. And I agree, to an extent. As long as the mental attitude is carried on, then I agree. But there are people who do not do this.

[Akaratechick]

I can;t really say that it's a rank or color, I think students get bored, feel unchallenged, get discouraged, or think this is simply not for me, especially women when it comes to sparring. It seems sometimes like the color purple, you either hate it or you are passionate about it. Passion =life . It is what makes you a martial artist, we are not all Bruce Lee but the ones who stay or keep coming back, possess tamashi, indomitable spirit.

[jaymac]

I do think that many schools emphasise achieving a black belt and ultimatelely that becomes ones only goal. My instructor has always made a point of saying that you really begin to learn at black belt and you should strive for higher. However, he does not have a strong black belt following. He offers black belt classes only every few months. He expects his black belts to attend classes regularly and assist with teaching, which I feel is great, but would really love a more regular advanced class offered. I am not trying to complain about my instructor, because I feel he is fantastic at what he does and how he teaches, and I do not want to second guess him at all, but just commenting out loud to my forum friends.