My annual reflection/Sensei Ramblings
At this time each year, taking a break from classes, I always reflect on the past year’s training and teaching. What went well? What could I do better? How are my students progressing? Am I happy with my teaching methods? Who is ready for black belt? There’s always a lot to consider and I always make changes. Some minor some more significant.
One thing people always think about in regard to Karate is black belt. It is often though if as THE goal. Mastery. I’ve spoken about this before. While black belt is a significant milestone, it is far from mastery. It is often said to be the beginning of your real training. I have been a black belt now for longer than all other belts combined and I am learning more than ever before. Karate can be an endless learning. Constantly gaining deeper understanding.
So what makes a black belt? We now have several students very close to black belt. They are all very different in how they train and express their abilities, knowledge and commitment. There can be specific requirements for black belt, knowing certain kata for example. This is something tangible that can be tested. It’s also something that comes easily to some and more difficult for others. It does come down to the amount of practice to a certain extent. Put in the work and you will get there. Maybe. I am well aware of differences in how we all work and our individual capacities. While I would like to have a clear standard for black belt requirements I don’t think that is truly fair. Equality vs equity.
If we focus less on the measurable details, what attributes make a black belt?
Firstly, commitment. Dedication to training. Interests come and go in all activities. Sometimes we are inspired. Sometimes we lose motivation. The important thing is to keep going. Just turn up. Do the work (the effort will vary at times with motivation). If you can commit for an ongoing period, naturally you will gain knowledge and skills, but it is also a sign of your determination. Specific levels of progress will vary person to person. Those who are naturally athletic will pick up movements quickly. Those who have a great memory will learn kata more easily. Not everyone has both or even either of those attributes. They can still become a black belt. Commit to the art and you will reward yourself.
The next thing that comes to mind to make a black belt is the ability to defend oneself or others. This is the primary purpose of Karate. While there are aspects of sport, culture, sprituality, socialisation and more, protection is the original intended purpose or Karate and so it is a key element of becoming a black belt. While a black belt is far from mastery, it is expected that one should be able to defend themselves to a reasonable degree. This doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact it shouldn’t be. Real life defence should be short and simple. Over in moments. While our training, our kata give us many tools and options for defence, only a handful are really needed in the moment. The important thing is that they can be applied effectively. This requires focus, strength, speed, precision, awareness and control. A great deal of practice is needed to get to an effective level. Commitment to training will get you there. The expectations will vary student to student based on age, size etc, but they must demonstrate a level of determination to succeed in protecting themselves.
A willingness to learn and work on things that need improvement is important. Paying attention to advice and corrections is essential. Working on things in your own time. A student may not enjoy every aspect of training, but nothing is done for no reason. Work on the things you find difficult. Try to bring them closer to the level of the things you like and are better at.
I personally think every black belt should be gauged on a very individual basis. We all bring something unique to Karate. A solid foundation of basic skills is essential. Being able to apply effective techniques under pressure is essential. An ongoing, long term commitment is essential. Other things maybe less so. I’m always in flux on various ideas about Karate. Nothing is permanent.
Do some pushups.
Enso Karate 