ChunJiDo Blog

Greetings!! Great question and I am sure there are many answers. For me however, a black belt does not make me an expert, Bruce Lee, or Chuck Norris. Obtaining a black belt in any one art takes a lifetime to master and to have one in a second art still shocks me. It is not the cloth around the waist, it is the mindset in one’s head that separates the true black belt from the “place holder.” I have seen people with kyu/ gup grades far more advanced in the spirit of the art than some 2nd and 3rd Dans. Of course people do not have to become a Taoist monk to understand or learn to fight for sport or defense. But the physical, although important, is only a part of the whole. The mental understanding of what one holds is equally important. And I am not talking about a 2 year black belt cranked out by a sport oriented program. Those of us who have trained our bodies physically to the edge of the envelope to push harder and to fine tune ourselves above and beyond the usual. We know what that is like. Those of us who have studied the philosophy of our art and taken what we have learned beyond the mat and into the marketplace, our homes, and jobs. One who understands that with such an honor placed upon them comes a vast amount of responsibility. That is to be a catalyst of change for a better society, an example and mentor to others, a leader in the community and a person of full integrity. Although the the black belt must be proficient in his/her art, for after all it is a “martial art”, one can never forget the mental aspects handed down through the ages by our Master’s and their’s as well. Danny Inosanto once said in a commercial, “In order to learn how to fight, one must learn how not to fight.” When the day is over, the greatest black belt never threw a punch and still walked away a hero.

Posted December 29, 2010 by Ken Ducote

When you physically look at a black belt, it’s nothing more than a piece of material tied around your waist. To some, that is all it is.
To me, a black belt carries more clout than seen. Being a black belt is something you do, something you become, something you are. This is just not being a black belt on the mat, but more importantly, off the mat.
You are held at a higher level, expectations are higher and should be.
Being a black belt is giving back to others. It is recognizing and giving the highest respects to those that have traveled the roads before you..but also guiding the ones that are following you.



Posted December 29, 2010 by Sensei Nancy Cutrell

Excellent posts so far! I appreciate the insight and thought. It is great to see the respect and appreciation both of you have for the martial way and what being a Black Belt is really about… Thank you for the wonderful posts!
I am looking forward to hearing from others as well!!
~ Grandmaster Cutrell

Posted December 30, 2010 by Grandmaster Robert Cutrell

To me, a black belt is just an outward sign of an inner strength. It takes – or should take – many years of hard work, sacrifice, mental and physical growth, and maturity to reach the rank of black belt. It’s a symbol of a person’s willingness to learn, grow, and then to teach all that they have learned.

It also signifies that you accept the responsibility that comes with being a black belt; the duty you have to teach others and “promote the philosophy” of the art you have embraced and worked at. It means you accept the bar being forever higher for you than for others, and constantly reaching to raise that bar ever higher – both on the mat and off.

Posted December 30, 2010 by Dana Jones

Ms. Jones,
Wonderful post! I enjoy hearing your perspective as a new Black Belt. I am glad to see you emphasized the servitude in teaching others. Being a Black Belt is definitely about mentoring those coming up behind you.
Thanks for sharing!
~ Grandmaster Cutrell

Posted January 01, 2011 by Grandmaster Robert Cutrell

Being a recent black belt, I am still discovering what it means to be a black belt. From what I have figured out so far, I know that wearing a black belt around my waist does not only signify my rank or many years of training. It shows my capabilities, stamina, dedication, passion, and POTENTIAL as a martial artist. The belt states that I have achieved a lot, but I have much more to do and learn. Not only do I have to seek more wisdom and knowledge, but I now have the responsibility to pass it on to Kyu ranks and future martial artists like my instructors have taught me. It is my duty to give back to the art that has given me so much.

Having the mentality of a black belt means that I will approach ANY situation with dedication, an open mind, and compassion, and knowing that I will be able to handle it.

Posted January 02, 2011 by Corinne Casino

To me my black belt means that I have achieved what some think to be impossible and can continue on the path to become better. I have stretched myself physically and mentally to gain, not only, the rank of black belt but Sensei as well. It means even more to me being a female in a male environment as well. There are not many female black belts and I am proud to know I am one of the few, even though the numbers are growing.

I can now teach others coming up what I know and that means the world to me. I love teaching what I love doing myself. To see the look on a student’s face when they fully understand a concept is special to me every time it happens. I like to come up with different ways to allow students to understand what they are being taught.

My black belt means that I am a teacher and I will do my best to fulfill that duty.

Posted January 07, 2011 by Makenzie Adler

Being a Black Belt is more than just a title. It is something you become after years of hard work and dedication. It molds you to be a better person more than just physically but being mentally tough to continue on with the training. I believe that as a black belt you have the responsibility to continue your training and to teach others. I have traveled the country training with master and Grandmasters, and in my person experience, they have always loved to see the black belts that have continued on their training and grow to be knowledgeable. I myself have been in a severe car accident and questioned if I would be able to train again. After a few discussions with a fellow black belt he told me “Being a black belt is more than knowing how to defend yourself but more of never giving up, and continuing on, there is not a single black belt out there that hasn’t trained or competed injured, they just tell you to get back up and continue on.” At some point every martial artist will push their body to the limit, but black belts will go past expectations every time. After training for 14 years I have learned that being a black belt is someone that has understood leadership, being mentally and physically tough, discipline, dedication, sportsmanship, integrity, friendship, and brotherhood.

Franklin Grissom
3rd dan Tae Kwon Do

Posted January 07, 2011 by Franklin Grissom

Ms. Casino,
Thank you for your post and I appreciate your view from a “discovery” perspective, and you mentioning, “POTENTIAL.” It is important to look at Black Belt as an endless journey in which we continue to learn, develop, and reach our true potential as a martial artist.
Thanks for the post!
~Grandmaster Cutrell

Posted January 09, 2011 by Grandmaster Robert Cutrell

Sensei Adler,
I agree, to see the look on a student’s face when they fully understand a concept is truly special! I have been in the arts for over 31 years now and one of the most rewarding parts for me is teaching and knowing that you can be an inspiration for someone to learn and achieve things they did not think were possible!
Keep working to make impossible, achieveable!
~Grandmaster Cutrell

Posted January 09, 2011 by Grandmaster Robert Cutrell

Frank,
Glad to see you post and hope to see you back in the dojo soon! Whenever you are down our way, please stop in and train with us. I totally agree with you that being a Black Belt is something that should build all of the characteristics and attributes you mentioned. The Warrior’s journey may sometimes be very challenging, but it definitely will help define who you are at your very core!
Take care!
~Grandmaster Cutrell

Posted January 09, 2011 by Grandmaster Robert Cutrell

ALWAYS BE THE BEST THAT CAN BE NEVER GIVE UP

Posted July 06, 2011 by CLIF