No other single image says Karate like the Black Belt, but is it that important?
The infamous black belt appears to be the focus and desire of many who enroll in a Karate program. Schools have entire programs aimed at earning this belt such as “the Black Belt Club”, others simply market using slogans such as “Get your black belt in 12 months”. The programs and slogans go on. But what is it that makes the Black Belt seem like the pinnacle of success in Karate?
How and when is the Black Belt awarded?
In Okinawan Karate, the system I study and teach our association has 14 Traditional Kata, many special partner drills called Yakusoku Kumite. Most schools award Kyu Levels (colored belts) the levels go from 1 to 10. The next level are the Dan ranks, and there are 10 of these. The first is called Shodan, or the 1st degree black belt. Shodan, is awarded in many schools that I am familiar with when a certain number of the Yakusoku Kumite can be performed, and when the student has learned the 8th Kata of the 14 Traditional kata. These are generalities and may vary from school to school. My school awarded Black Belt only after all Kata was learned, along with various other drills.
What does a black belt know that makes him so special?
Speaking only from my observations, a Shodan in most schools knows many partner drills, and up to 8 Kata is well versed in blocks, punches, kicks and stances. What makes this rank unique and stand out above the other ranks is that it symbolizes that the student is now ready to begin learning, that he has acquired all the necessary knowledge to begin putting things together. It is like math, you need a basic understanding of adding and subtracting before you can multiply and divide. Then once you know how to add, subtract, multiply and divide, you can start learning algebra.
A Black Belt doesn’t mean the person wearing the belt is a fighter, it only means he has learned the basics and ready to embark on the next level of training.
Advanced concepts
Speaking only from my training & teaching, when a student reaches the Green Belt level, putting them on the 8th kata which is Passai Sho he begins to work on advanced concepts, which include foot work, and flowing hand techniques. Up to the Green Belt, he learned the foundations of blocking, punching and kicking. The Passai Katas are the foundation of these more advanced movements of alternating hands and strikes, while reorienting one’s body position relative to the aggressor.
The most important role of a Black Belt
The black belt has an important role, and that is to serve as a role model for the students who have come after him. His job is to emulate the ideal student and help keep the Kyu ranks inline. When training with under belts ( kyu ranks ) he meets them at their level, only bringing it up a notch when they are ready. His job is to encourage the under belts and guide them to where he is, showing them how he got to where he is.
About Me
I began my study of Okinawan Karate in the early 80’s, and had multiple stops and starts due to life. Each time I started again, it was at the same school under the same instructor. When I earned my Brown belt I began learning how to teach karate. After a 1 year span, I earned by Shodan in 2016 and spent several more years learning more from Sensei Noel Smith ( Shorinkan 8th Dan) 5 years after earning my Shodan I was promoted to Nidan ( Second degree ).
My teaching method includes both Karate, open hand, the modern understanding of the word, and Kobudo ancient fighting art. I believe both are not independent arts but should be viewed as you would a coin, two sides, both supporting the other.
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