KickChick Posted March 25, 2003 Posted March 25, 2003 Our school has had its share..... although we have quite a large black belt student base. I don't want to "stereotype" the BB quitter, but more often than not it is the younger student who reaches pre teen age. How often do I hear some parents say.... "I don't want him/her to quit until they get their blackbelt, they've come so far"....Unfortunately most don't quite "get it" that earning your black belt is only just the beginning. I am sure it does happen to many "older" students who feel they cannot go on training due to other responsibilities that arise forcing them to quit .... (more often than not they are physical conditions or career responsibilities) Our TKD union is soon requiring our students to remain training for a minimum of 6 months after earning their black belt. How this is going to be done is uncertain at this point .... but what I would like to know from all of you is..... How prevalent is the "black belt quitter" in your school? Does your school have these same requirements when achieving black belt rank?
monkeygirl Posted March 25, 2003 Posted March 25, 2003 We have had several over the years. We don't really have many black belts, though. More common are the people who have failed their BB test. I really haven't seen many quitters in my time, but those I have seen have been younger...although I did see a 40-year-old man quit after getting his black belt. Don't really know why he quit, though. A lot of times, we have parents who fully expect their child to pull out after black belt, because they think that's "the end". "Finishing" the martial arts is one of the most ridiculous concepts I've ever heard Then again, you also have the "jacks of all trades": people who do activities for around 5 years/until satisfied, then move on to the next one. To them, MA isn't a way of life, it's just another skill they've achieved, another thing to tell their buddies. It's a good way to be well-rounded, but you know how the saying goes: "Jack of all trades, master of none". I agree that staying for 6 months would be a good idea...would probably encourage the black belts to stay around even longer once they understand what Black Belt training is like. However, it does sound like one of the "evil contracts" everyone hates I'm curious to hear how that would be enforced. As far as my school having requirements...at my school, if you leave for a period of at least 3 months and come back, you lose a belt. This also goes for black belts (unless the black belt can come back without missing a beat). Once the person gets up to speed again, they can have their belt back...no test is involved for black belts, not sure about under belts. This is a new rule; we haven't had to use it yet. 1st dan & Asst. Instructor TKD 2000-2003No matter the tune...if you can rock it, rock it hard.
crash Posted March 25, 2003 Posted March 25, 2003 I've seen a lot of ppl quit after reaching blackbelt, I think that is some ppl's only goal. you're right, it seems they think that is the end of the line. I've also seen some ppl who, after reaching b.b. will only come to sparring class. no we dont require them to continue for any length after blackbelt, that would take a contract and I dont require any type of contract even short term.
SBN Doug Posted March 25, 2003 Posted March 25, 2003 No requirements to stay after black belt promotion. They can take their belt, turn around, and walk right out the door if they want. I did see a lot more BB quiters when I was in a large school in Texas. But I have seen a couple up here as well. They usually fall into two groups. The ones that think that BB is the goal, and they can defend themselves once they have it around their waist, and the ones that consider BB the point at which they can switch to a different art for crosstraining purposes. Kuk Sool Won - 4th danEvil triumphs when good men do nothing.
ramymensa Posted March 25, 2003 Posted March 25, 2003 I wouldn't accept to lose a belt after 3 months of not training. This could lead to some problems, like the clubs making a new possibility to take even more money from me I could have some problems, be in a long journey or who knows and I don't think it's fair. As far as I know, a rank can't be revoked. The solution would be to let the person train, keep the rank and improve till he/she would get back in a decent shape. When the person is ready for the next step, then let he/she test. The 6 months for BB. Could be a good idea ... could also bring some problems. don't know World Shotokan Karate
BlueDragon1981 Posted March 25, 2003 Posted March 25, 2003 Our school has a low black belt base. Mainly because it is really hard to get a black belt. We never really have had any quit. Life has caught up with a couple of them or a falling out with instructors. A few have started their own schools or work all day long. I only know of like 4 that have actually quit doing it.
craknek Posted March 25, 2003 Posted March 25, 2003 Our school is small, and we only have 3 blackbelts. Even then, its worthwhile to stay, because once you get your brown belt, he BEGINS teaching you alot more elements of ground grappling and takedowns, not to mention, once you get BB, he also starts teaching you Combat Hapkido, and some Ninjitsu. I know I will be staying for a while. Our Master is just..awesome. I just told him that I can not attend any classes for like a month and a half, due to work, and he is going to call me back to see if we can organize something with just me and him on the weekend, practicing, so I dont fall behind. Nick "A man can fail many times, but a man is not a failure until he blames someone else""I will not fear...Fear is the mind killer...I will let my fear pass right through me..." Dune.
KickChick Posted March 25, 2003 Author Posted March 25, 2003 I agree that staying for 6 months would be a good idea...would probably encourage the black belts to stay around even longer once they understand what Black Belt training is like. However, it does sound like one of the "evil contracts" everyone hates I'm curious to hear how that would be enforced. I believe it would be a belt tip that designates the beginning of the 6 month period ... and your certificate(diploma) would be withheld (although it is already is because as a practising black belt student, your bb certificate is hung on the dojo wall. When you leave you are entitled to bring it home.As far as my school having requirements...at my school, if you leave for a period of at least 3 months and come back, you lose a belt. This also goes for black belts (unless the black belt can come back without missing a beat). Once the person gets up to speed again, they can have their belt back...no test is involved for black belts, not sure about under belts. This is a new rule; we haven't had to use it yet. I'm with ramy on that one. Ranks cannot be revoked in our organization and thank goodness for that one....!!! I've left on more than one ocassion (I do have 3 children ) I personally do not agree with that at all.
shotochem Posted March 25, 2003 Posted March 25, 2003 Hi Guys, We've had a couple quit. A few dont come around to the dojo as much either. They have decided to cross train and dabble in other arts but still train with us occasionally. Pain is only temporary, the memory of that pain lasts a lifetime.
KickChick Posted March 25, 2003 Author Posted March 25, 2003 Another approach that our school is trying to in order to "save" future black belts from quitting.... is allowing brown belts that are coming up for black belt testing to be included in the black belt only classes. It is also good preparation for their black belt test. As black belts we are to exemplify the "black belt attitude" and by our actions convey to these up-and-coming black belt students the importance of black belt training and what it exactly involves. They get to see exactly what is learned at this level. ie....sparring techniques, forms, advanced techniques Of course, many of these students are younger and quite intimidated when it comes to "sparring" with us .... but so far I believe this approach is really working well. When sparring many of the younger students I tend to motion with my fist hitting my chest protector to come at me with what they got while calling out combos for them, talking thru the sparring match. I am there primarily to show them where there weakness lies (their open targets). So far we've had 3 or 4 students taking advantage of the opportunity of training along side the black belts of our school.... and it has reminded us Black Belts to keep that "attitude".
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