Dragon Tang Soo Do

To be a Black Belt or not to be a Black Belt (That is the Question)

It’s something that many people aspire to, To be able to state with pride “I’m a martial arts Black Belt” and to know that very few get to that level of achievement, or even harder, retain the level and progress further. There is a huge misunderstanding though, primarily through those not involved in the Martial Arts, however even more bizarrely, from those who are involved in Martial Arts, as to what it really means.

These are the obvious facts involved in attaining a Black Belt:
• It is a measure of time – you have to have trained for a minimum amount of time to achieve the grade (this varies greatly from style to style).
• You have to be able tom demonstrate to someone (could be a friend) that you can do certain things to a certain standard (these can vary from style to style also)
• You are a role model to others (good or bad role model, it’s up to the individual rolew model)
• You get to tell people you are a Black Belt (lots of people do, some of them aren’t)
• Your Belt will be black in colour.

What it really takes:
Hard work, dedication, pushing ourself to new limits, putting yourself out for others, knowing when to be humble, time, time, Oh! And course more time!

What’s expected from Dragon Tang Soo Do Black Belts?
It’s not just about showing you know the syllabus, though it is important as this is the foundation of our style, it’s also about displaying the Black Belt spirit (even before getting the grade).
Having the respect of others is only a by-product of respecting others.  For those aspiring to be Black Belts this means, helping and supporting everyone regardless of their ability, race, gender, political viewpoint.  This also means paying due deference to those who already have the grade, a bow, "Sir/M’am" on the end of a sentence takes so little effort yet shows a reflection of understanding and respect.  To help out at a championship, event held by the society, to put something back into the family of DTSD is part of the Black Belt spirit.  
Never forget that those that have proved themselves to get the grade are expected to continue this commitment beyond their certification.  That's not to say that the Masters of DTSD expect people to devote their whole lives to this, we do understand that people have lives outside of the society (we do), however I remember speaking to someone at their Black Belt grading, someone who demonstrated the syllabus well and was physically strong, that though their grading was a good grading, the fact that I hadn't seen them at a competition, grading or social event suggested that the individual was only interested in themselves and the colour of a belt, not necessarily what it stands for, I haven't seen the person since (It could be for many reasons, I am unaware of).

Ask yourself.  If you were sat in the dentist chair, a new dentist to you, and you were about to have some work done.  What would you do/think if the dentist showed you his certificate dated 15 years ago and said "I qualified for this job 15 years ago, you're my first patient and I haven’t practised since my exam” what would you do?

Being a Black Belt goes beyond getting the grade, it’s a state of mind, a way of life. It’s about respect, firstly of giving it and then earning it. The grade is only the start.
For some the responsibility is too great, many fall by the wayside. For those familiar faces, those that play their part, you are what Dragon Tang Soo Do is all about. For those who are on the journey to Black Beltdom, you should be looking to take the load off the familiar faces, you are the future, and for our future to be the continuation or higher standards and a great reputation it takes great effort and presence of mind. Prove yourself to yourself first, then those around you.

“To be a respected Black Belt or not to be a respected Black Belt” – Maybe that is the question?

I wish you all success.

Master Jon Ward

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