How long does it take to get a black belt?

[patusai]

Despite what the belt to the left says (I still don't get that), I am a Sho-Dan in Shudokan Karate Do, and it took me six years to achieve. I think that four to six years is a great time frame to make a Dan. However, I know of other Dojo's in my city that give dans after two or three years. Why would anyone do that? Makes me want to cry...

Every one claims that reaching black belt is only the beginning, and that it means you have grasped the basics. If this is the case, then why should it take so long to become a beginner?

I agree. The time depends on each each person differently. How long does it take one person to learn enough of the basic element (not necessarily 'basics') so that you can begin the learn the specific MA. After that it takes a lifetime to master.

[ShotokanTre]

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?

I became a founding father of the Theta Chi chapter at Radford University in Radford, VA in 2001

[lordtariel]

Every one claims that reaching black belt is only the beginning, and that it means you have grasped the basics. If this is the case, then why should it take so long to become a beginner?

I think it goes back to the old days where a master would put a prospective student through harsh trials to ensure his dedication to study and character before he taught them. Standing in horse stance for an entire day, running miles and miles, hauling water up and down a hill... We live in a time now where it's relativly easy to find instructors and get into classes. By sticking through with your training and showing your character, you're proving you are worth teaching. Now this is just one interpretation, I'm sure there's many more out there. Also, I could study martial arts years and years and still not master the "basics" Because they're so fundamentally tied into everything we do, it's important to have a very solid grasp on them. Just my couple of cents. I do tend to ramble.

[bushido_man96]

Every one claims that reaching black belt is only the beginning, and that it means you have grasped the basics. If this is the case, then why should it take so long to become a beginner?

I think it goes back to the old days where a master would put a prospective student through harsh trials to ensure his dedication to study and character before he taught them. Standing in horse stance for an entire day, running miles and miles, hauling water up and down a hill... We live in a time now where it's relativly easy to find instructors and get into classes. By sticking through with your training and showing your character, you're proving you are worth teaching. Now this is just one interpretation, I'm sure there's many more out there. Also, I could study martial arts years and years and still not master the "basics" Because they're so fundamentally tied into everything we do, it's important to have a very solid grasp on them. Just my couple of cents. I do tend to ramble.

That makes some sense, but I think these stories are not as popular as what people have made them out to be. I'm sure there are some that are accountable, but I don't think it happened that way all that often. I believe that most martial arts were born from drilling soldiers for war, and they would not have had the time to do all-day-long stances, haul water, and the like. There time would have been better spent drilling.

However, I do enjoy those stories, and they are fun to hear. I just wonder about the legitimacy of them.

[Dresden]

where I study there are very specific time at rank guidelines governing how frequently you can test.These guidelines are MINIMUMS.IT takes at least 3 years and normally 4to6 years for shodan.That is because our Sensei loves us.As he tells us the difference between one student who made black belt and one who didnt is that one of them quit.

[bushido_man96]

where I study there are very specific time at rank guidelines governing how frequently you can test.These guidelines are MINIMUMS.IT takes at least 3 years and normally 4to6 years for shodan.That is because our Sensei loves us.As he tells us the difference between one student who made black belt and one who didnt is that one of them quit.

We have 2 month testing cycles, and then we get time requirements at black belt level. I do think the cycles should be longer, but hey, it isn't my school.

[wagnerk]

Every one claims that reaching black belt is only the beginning, and that it means you have grasped the basics. If this is the case, then why should it take so long to become a beginner?

I found a good answer to this question here.

The black belt is thus seen not so much as an end, but rather as a beginning, a doorway to advanced learning: the individual now "knows how to walk" and may thus begin the "journey".

Holds true... Why try to run when you first have to learn how to walk

-Ken

[Karate_Dad]

Let's see we grade 3 times a year there are 10 kyu's then it's a little over 3 years. Of course the little guys/gals take a little longer as they have a stripe for each Kyu. QED.

I am glad however that Bushido_man96 points out the importance laid on the Black Belt. What must be remembered is that the Black Belt or more importantly Shodan is just the FIRST step in a long Karate career. To my mind too much emphasis is made in the BB. Yes it is a big milestone but but no means the most important.

Sorry Wagnerk my post was slow but pretty much echoes what you said.

Edited October 8, 2006 by Karate_Dad

[rogue2257]

It took me about six years to get my black belt, but I started when I was seven years old, so looking back on it, the wait was probably a good thing.

My instructor always tells our class that getting a black belt isn't the end of our training, but rather, the beginning. It was only when I finally understood this that I no longer resented him for holding me back. I just wasn't ready when I was younger. I've also improved more as a black belt than I ever did as a colored belt... it really is more than just one more rank.

[ninjanurse]

We have 2 month testing cycles, and then we get time requirements at black belt level. I do think the cycles should be longer, but hey, it isn't my school.

We also have 2 months cycles but most students cannot meet the class requirement and therefore test every 4 months. I would prefer to have testing every month and those that are ready can grade...but it's not my school either!