Ahhh…. The coveted Black Belt. Everyone says they want one. But few are willing to put in the work to earn one. Advancing in rank is a step by step process. One should come in the door the first day ready to make many small steps. It takes time. There is no magic.
A question we receive often is “How long does it take to get a Black Belt?” That depends. How hard are you willing to work? How quick can you pick up the techniques? Can you recall the words and techniques? Have you had previous training? Can you be patient? That last one… patience.
In general, one can receive a Black Belt from us in 3 to 5 years of steady work. Some may require more time. And that is okay. Everyone should move at their own pace. Others have received it in less time. These individuals had quite a bit of experience before they came to us. Everyone who wears a Black Belt at KSKD has indeed earned it. Not all of us move as “pretty” as others. The skill displayed is a combination of knowledge, technical skill and demonstration of basics (Kihon Waza).
The time between belts is between 6 and 9 months. The first belt, yellow, can be earned 6 to 8 weeks of coming in the door as a new student. The belt test are held every 3 months. So, if timed correctly, and work put in, one could advance quickly.
How will I know I am ready?
Another question often received is “How will I know if my child is ready for the belt test?” Easy answer: Look at the number of stripes your children have on their belt. When they have 4 stripes, they can test. The stripes are received as follows:
- Stripe 1 Effort and/or Enthusiasm
- Stripe 2 Understand the techniques for the rank
- Stripe 3 Performs the techniques for the rank WELL
- Stripe 4 Sensei AND Parents’ PERMISSION!!
Effort and/or Enthusiasm
This one should be easy. “All” you have to do is come in and go to work! Just really really try hard. Do a little bit extra. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Show that you are trying to “get it”. Show that you have been practicing at home. (Yes, Homework)
Understand the techniques for the rank
Each rank has a list of techniques to learn. These can be found in the class manual in the MyStudio app. Each rank has a list of techniques to learn, with their associated difficulties. Everyone must learn the new techniques and remember the old ones.
Performance
This is the one that slows most down. Now you have to show that you know the techniques and perform them well for the rank you are going for. We are always watching for that yellow belt who is starting to look better and better. They are performing like an orange belt. The kata can be demonstrated without thinking too much and with all of the correct techniques. No. No one is perfect. That is why we all keep working. However. There is no question this individual knows what they are supposed to do.
Parents’ Permission
This is where KSKD is different. We want the parents to be involved. The teachers will let the parents know a belt test is coming up and that we think the person is ready to test. The parents know how their child is behaving or performing at home (school, etc) The child may be “an angel” in the Dojo, but not listening to mom at home; not doing the chores; not getting good grades. You get the picture. The parent indicates their approval by registering their child for the belt test.
Another difference is that we will take stripes away. Oh yes. There are some who just can’t seem to motivate themselves to do the work. Taking the time you need to learn a new technique and not trying are two different situations. Some techniques are difficult. That’s okay. Take the time you need to learn it. We will see the effort put in. We also see when you are not trying!! For some children, we have them go back a belt or make them wear their white belt. If you are not going to perform at belt level, you will wear the belt you are performing at.
Kaizen: Continuous Improvement
Everyone must work. Everyone must put in continuous effort. This “activity” is very different from others. There is no set end. One can practice a lifetime!! The goal is to seek perfection. As no one is perfect, there will ALWAYS be work to be done. When you think you have it, you will learn something new. You will hear most of the seniors ask “How do I walk again? I thought I knew how to do this.” Step by step. Learn at little bit at a time. Continuous Improvement is the key. Get a little be better everyday.
Enjoy the process! Earning the Black Belt is only the beginning. You now know enough to ask questions…