How long does it take to get a black belt?

[ShotokanTre]

I'm just wondering. I've heard one year from books/DVD's or between one and two years or even three or more.

How long should it take?

[bushido_man96]

Anywhere from 2 to 5 years is what I have heard. How long should it take? There are various answers to this question.

Really, you should not worry about how soon you will get your black belt. If you go to class, train hard, and pay attention and keep an open mind about your study of the martial arts, the rest will come in time. Your instructor will let you know when you are ready to test for your next rank. Also keep in mind that it is ok to miss a testing here and there. Martial arts will come to you at your pace, and not anyone elses.

Most importantly, enjoy your training! The nice thing about the martial arts is that it can be a lifelong experience, if you want it to be.

[RichardHangHong]

Personally, I think 4 to 6 years on average is a good time frame. This gives the student time to grow both physically and mentally (experiencing the highs and lows, etc).

You can go to some schools and get a black belt in as little as 1 or 2 years, which in my opinion is too quick. But as someone once said, it's not the belt you wear, it's who you are that counts.

[MisterRadley]

Personally, I think 4 to 6 years on average is a good time frame. This gives the student time to grow both physically and mentally (experiencing the highs and lows, etc).

You can go to some schools and get a black belt in as little as 1 or 2 years, which in my opinion is too quick. But as someone once said, it's not the belt you wear, it's who you are that counts.

I agree with you. 4 to 6 years is a good length to get a black belt. Getting a black belt shouldn't be the only reason you study martial arts.

[Sohan]

The concept of receiving a black belt in ANY martial art in less than two years is absurd, IMO. I know there are exceptions (such as Joe Lewis, who received his in Okinawa in only 7 months), but most black belts I have seen who received their rank in that short period of time are usually comparable to advanced green belts in our system--so I certainly wouldn't evaluate someone's effectiveness based on the color of fabric around their waist.

It is more important the length and quality of time one has studied a martial art, a sentiment expressed time and again on this forum. Besides, time requirements to receive dan ranking are highly variable based on individual schools.

As for me, I am wary of any program that offers most black belts in less than 2-3 years or more than 7-8 years (BJJ as an exception).

With respect,

Sohan

[tke010]

To me, the longer it takes, the more its worth!

just enjoy the moment, enjoy your current belt level-whatever it is, try to continuously improve your basics.

you will eventually get one.

what is a black belt? a white belt that never quit.

True Story: A dad walks in where i train with his kid who is a 2nd dan black belt (10 years old) in a different style. The dad and child are upset that he keeps losing in sparring tournaments. After a class, my instructor explains to the dad that he is fighting way above his level. dad and child left, never to return.

[ShotokanTre]

Thank you all for your advice. I greatly apreciate it. I am not in a hurry, because I'm not looking to know to how to fight, I already know to fight. I want better discipline, so I can definetly see how longer=better.

To me, the longer it takes, the more its worth!

just enjoy the moment, enjoy your current belt level-whatever it is, try to continuously improve your basics.

you will eventually get one.

what is a black belt? a white belt that never quit.

True Story: A dad walks in where i train with his kid who is a 2nd dan black belt (10 years old) in a different style. The dad and child are upset that he keeps losing in sparring tournaments. After a class, my instructor explains to the dad that he is fighting way above his level. dad and child left, never to return.

Thank you very much for sharing this. I promice you that I won't quit. because karate isn't even the hardest thing i've ever had to do, and I need a hobby. I work way too much and obbcess about everything. Actually, about a year ago and half now, a guy walks into the store I was working in coked out of his mind and verbally assulted me, and then was aprehended by the state trooper who was checking out porn and intercepted me from going for his throat. I want to get out of fight mode. I want to karate to teach me how to avoid a fight, but also what to do if the time arises. Violence is rarely the answer, but when it is, it is usually the only answer.

E.T.A.: by the way, are you a TKE at Princeton?

[tke010]

good luck in your journey.

I became a TKE at Kean University, Union, NJ (I think in 1992)

But, I live in Princeton.

how bout you?

[Shotokan-kez]

Definatly 5 years or so. I am on 1st kyu now but im quite happy to wear this belt with pride for a year or even two if i have too, it's worth waiting for.

[Fish]

In our school about 5 years, with consistent training at the dojo twice or three times per week, and practice at home in between.