(Approx 2 minute read)

Reaching the level of Shodan black belt is often considered a significant milestone in the martial arts.
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However, it’s essential to understand that this achievement represents just a new beginning. Shodan should signify the end of your initial training and the start of building upon a solid foundation.
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In the 1970s, when I first embarked on my martial arts journey, black belts were rare. Today, they are more common, but the standards and depth of training can vary widely.
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Some schools offer quick paths to earning a ‘dan’ rank, often by following a syllabus that includes only basic techniques with minimal depth. This approach can feel more like a production line than a meaningful learning experience.
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The scarcity of black belts in my era meant that achieving Shodan took much longer. This longer journey instilled qualities such as perseverance, determination, and tenacity – traits that have kept many of my colleagues engaged in the martial arts for decades.
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A black belt should be more than just a status symbol or an achievement; it carries a responsibility. The lower dan grades, contrary to some beliefs, do not signify mastery. They mark the beginning of a deeper, more comprehensive phase of training. Or they should!
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Throughout your training, you piece together various techniques and concepts. As a black belt, your journey evolves to understanding how these elements integrate and where they can take you. I have seen many black belts, and their skills and dedication vary widely. Unfortunately, the belt alone does not guarantee a certain level of proficiency.
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The ranks from 1st to 3rd dan is crucial to understand, for they mark a significant shift in focus from basic techniques to laying the foundation of a deeper exploration. A weak foundation can lead to poor training and development for years to come. Many practitioners reach this level with merely mediocre physical competency, neglecting the art’s deeper aspects.
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The journey from white belt to black belt should instill attributes like persistence, commitment, overcoming fears and obstacles, self-control – and keeping your ego in check.
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A black belt is a metaphor for the journey you have undertaken. It doesn’t signify that you are the best martial artist or that you are invincible; it means you are ready. Ready to start mastering yourself, both internally and externally.
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True proficiency of the martial arts can take a lifetime, and you must be prepared to continually learn and grow.
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There is a vast disparity in standards across martial arts schools, which is a troubling situation. Many black belts, some products of the McDojo, which many of us were reminded of recently, are a disservice not only to themselves, but to the martial art they study.
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So, don’t be another of those guys chasing rank, chase knowledge. Let your passion for learning be your guide. True fulfillment lies in the depths of knowledge you uncover, not the scratch on the surface.
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Photo Credit: Yoshinao Nanbu