Tuesday, April 12, 2016

What does it Mean to be a Black Belt? By:Uma Obalapuram

What does it Mean to be a Black Belt?
By:Uma Obalapuram


What is a Black Belt? Really? The technical definition is, “an expert in judo, karate, and other martial arts.” If you had asked me that question when I started Taekwondo 4 years ago, I would have said that was correct, but now, I know that there is so much more to being a Black Belt, and that it is not the final stage of training.

Many people view getting a Black Belt as the end goal. They view it as the highest achievement possible and think that they are finished once they have received it. A little while back, might have thought the same thing , but I now understand that there is so much more to being a Black Belt than just having the rank.


Black Belts are the leaders in the dojo. They are the ones to help the lower ranks with their technique and kicks and they are the ones deciding what we do in class, and it would be an honor for me to join them. Being a Black Belt follows the tenets of Taekwondo. Courtesy, a Black Belt, or any belt for that matter, should be respectful of their seniors. Integrity, all people should have integrity, but the Black Belts are most always the examples. Perseverance, all Black Belts had to persevere through the training of every single belt to finally reach that color. Self-control, everybody needs self control. The Black Belts are the ones who especially need it as they are the leaders and often the teachers. And last, but certainly not least, indomitable spirit. Everyone needs this to reach their goals and have the spirit to keep going. These tenets matter to all students, but they are the qualities that a Black Belt should possess.


While on my Taekwondo journey, I have discovered many things. The most important thing I learned though is to get up when you fail and keep trying. When I tested for my brown belt, the first time, I failed. I did not break my boards and returned home heartbroken. Instead of seeing this as a negative, I used it as motivation to pass all of my future testings. I practiced as much as I could on the boards and I passed the next testing. I learned that when you fail, you just have to get back on your feet and that failure can be a great motivator.

I hope that when I am a Black Belt that I can help others in my class like Black Belts helped me when I was at that stage. I hope that I can be a good leader as a Black Belt and I believe that I can be a good teacher for others.

I am excited to finish my journey as a colored belt start my journey off as a Black Belt as soon as possible. I understand what it truly means to be a Black Belt and I think I can achieve my full potential as one. Thank you!

April 2016 Tiger Tracks