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