The road beyond Black Belt

[ninjanurse]

One of my sensei's used to say:

 

We all get to black belt on a different path, i.e. a different set of forms, a change in the chamber of a technique, etc. Once we are there, the paths seem to come together and we all travel similar roads-learning each others techniques and forms-until we share a common "art".

 

Just curious as to what your thoughts are on this. It has been true in my experience.

 

[Kyle-san]

In my experience we all learn new things and grow after achieving that particular rank, but that doesn't mean we'll all end up in a common "art". Sadly egos and differences of opinion keep widening the distance between arts.

[ninjanurse]

I whole heartedly agree with you on the ego thing!

 

[SaiFightsMS]

I think if the ego gets left out over time as one continues to learn after black belt, (and if one continues to learn after black belt), that the more one learns the more one sees the similarities in the various styles. And as part of that we also see what we lack in our own learning to become more well rounded as a martial artist.

 

As we begin to rectify that if we do it honestly I think we do grow closer and closer to a similar convergence. Kind of like a New England traffic circle very confusing at first - and the more roads going into the easier it is to get lost.

[G95champ]

Differant Paths to the top of the mountian but once we get there we can all see the stars.

 

I agree 100%

[Kyle-san]

I think if the ego gets left out over time as one continues to learn after black belt, (and if one continues to learn after black belt), that the more one learns the more one sees the similarities in the various styles.

 

Unfortunately, all you have to do is pick up a martial arts magazine to see some very good examples of black belts who haven't let their egos and preconceptions go. They may have achieved the rank, but they're still human.

[shortstick]

Ninjanurse, to me your instructor could be also speaking to the "Art of self improvemnet" Those that learn to check thier ego at the door will have an open mind to learning, and a thirst for knowledge. They will absorb info about other arts, they may pick and choose what they feel will work, or what appeals to them. But the point is they took the time and the effort to find out. I have come to believe that a true warrior is a person who is on a life long quest for knowledge and self improvement, not just in the battle arena, but in all aspects of his/her life......a challenge to be sure.

[SaiFightsMS]

I like the way you said that Shortstick.

[ispy78]

I agree with the belief that all arts become very similar after you receive your black belt. I just received mine in ITF Tae Kwon Do and I find that this is because you no longer have to master your own particular field. However, you are still programmed with that desire to learn new techniques new forms and new styles of defense and ways of thinking. Therefore you take it upon yourself to seek out new techniques and since no teacher or no style is exactly the same whenever you see another class or group you begin to take what you like from that class and hybridizing it with your own style. It is difficult to grasp, but we all achieve a similar art by achieving our own personal style and since humans are as a rule programmed the same way we tend to make our styles very similar to the other "masters" of their art.

[G95champ]

You only start learing the art once you reach black belt IMO.