Black Belt & beyond

[Havoc88]

In my opinion, there is more value added to a blackbelt by the non-MA community than by the martial artist who actually achief the rank of blackbelt.

When you meet someone and they know you're a blackbelt, they expect you to be a master in your style and that you can take on everybody. Thus, I think there comes a mindset along with a skill set with the blackbelt testing. That may just be the difference between brown and black belt, the mindset.

After blackbelt, there is a neverending road of leaning. May also be the point where you can start experimenting with other styles.

But mastering of a style when reaching blackbelt? No!

Tom

[bushido_man96]

In my opinion, there is more value added to a blackbelt by the non-MA community than by the martial artist who actually achief the rank of blackbelt.

I agree with you here. I think there is always so much stigma attached to Eastern martial arts by the public, that it tends to blow things out of proportion. Did you ever notice how no one gets interested in the "mastery" or "inner strength" of boxers or wrestlers? Don't they deserve it, too?

[pineapple]

Even a 10th degree can learn more.

[NightOwl]

I agree that getting a black belt does not mean that the journey is over. However to 'stir the pot up' a bit, what do you think of the third article on this blog (on black belts):

http://progressiveshotokankarate.com/weblog/index.html

Should being able to fight be part of having a black belt?

[Jeet Kune Do]

I found a chinese proverb that says;

"A black belt is just a piece of material, A brain is more than that"

so thats the sum up

bushido_man96 said:

I agree with you here. I think there is always so much stigma attached to Eastern martial arts by the public, that it tends to blow things out of proportion. Did you ever notice how no one gets interested in the "mastery" or "inner strength" of boxers or wrestlers? Don't they deserve it, too?

Hey, just remember Rocky Balboa, he is a great inspiration, the reason of why I train more than usual

[bushido_man96]

I think that a black belt should be able to defend themselves to the point that they can get away from an attacker or situation. This doesn't mean they should be able to dance 12 rounds, or be able to knock everyone out that they meet. There are many different ways to get out of a physical confrontation, be it physically or mentally. However, there are so many scenarios involved with self-defense, that a black belt may not win every fight.