Promoted to Shodan

[Picalo]

I was awarded shodan this week, but I must say it was rather anticlimactic. When I started training I dreamed this would be the best day of my life; however the closer I got , the more I realized that it is no big deal. Now I train for the sake of training. Rank does not mean what I thought it would. Any thoughts on what is was like when you received your black belt?

[sensei8]

You've matured in the MA more than I had by the time I earned my Shodan; Ranks nothing to you already. It took me a while to mature!!

Rank, in my much earlier days, was everything to me up to Sandan, I'm not proud of that. After that, I finally woke up and then I matured, since that, rank has modicum of value to me, thereafter, rank's just not that important to me.

I wasn't allowed to test while I was a JBB; 5 years of servitude. Then I earned my Shodan in 1975...earned my Nidan in 1976...and earned my Sandan in 1977; I had 5 years of BB lessons that readied me for Shodan thru Sandan.

Edited June 30, 2013 by sensei8

[Harkon72]

A belt's value reflects the work you had to put in to achieve it. If you we're given it as a reward for spending copious amounts of money on your training; then it means nothing. If you achieve it through hours of hard work; if you had thoughts of giving up many times but overcome them with will, courage and sheer determination; then it can mean the world to you.

[bushido_man96]

Congrats! Like sensei8 mentioned, you've matured. Many view the rank of black belt as the goal when they start, but as they approach, they realize there is more in the offering, and it becomes another step.

[andym]

Congratulations on passing your grading. When I passed my Dan grading I felt wonderful, like I knew everything. When I went back to the Dojo for my first class after it .... ! It felt like i was stood on the edge of a cliff ! The realization of what I didn't know.

[sensei8]

Imagine if EVERY MAist STOPPED at Shodan!! There'd be an unimaginable amount of Ikkyu's that would never reach Shodan.

[Nidan Melbourne]

I know how it feels. It isn't that much of a special occasion when receiving your Dan Grading.

I felt amazing after receiving my Black Belt in 2008 but after receiving my Shodan earlier this year it wasn't all that special like it did back in the day of attaining a new belt and training.

Although i continue to train to improve myself physically, mentally and spiritually.