Mr. Austin Wright
Without a doubt, the black belt is one of the most revered
ranks in taekwondo. There are few people who don’t recognize its importance
within its respective martial art, but many of those who understand its
importance don’t fully comprehend its meaning. To be a black belt doesn’t mean
that a student of martial arts has completed a few steps and requirements. To
be a black belt doesn’t mean that one is an indestructible force of nature, and
can shatter any opposition with the flick of a hand. To be a black belt is to
not just be efficient in martial arts, but to be a well-rounded individual, and
to be well-practiced in taekwondo and its principles.
Black belts are meant to be an example to others, a
representation of taekwondo and its most respected members. One cannot be a
black belt without simultaneously being a teacher. A teacher of character,
confidence, and of course, taekwondo. Courtesy, integrity, perseverance,
self-control, and indomitable spirit are embodied within black belts. They
exude confidence in whatever they are pursuing. Hyper-awareness towards the
black belt’s own actions is crucial, as they are role models to not only other
students of taekwondo, but to those who do not practice martial arts as well.
If ever a situation arises, a black belt cannot be a silent bystander to
someone being wrongfully treated.
The black belt also represents growth as a person, and the
journey an individual has taken to make such an accomplishment. Every black
belt started as a white belt, and the progress they make through the belts is
more important than earning the belt itself. That is the primary purpose of
taekwondo. Not just for the art, or for the sport, but for the development of
spirit, and to become a better version of oneself. Many students of taekwondo
do not complete the journey from white to black belt, and for this reason,
black belts are looked up to. They have demonstrated steadfast perseverance in
achieving their rank, despite obstacles and hardships, both physically and
mentally.
Although it is the highest achievable belt color in
taekwondo, the black belt does not represent the end of martial arts training.
In fact, it represents the progression to another stage of training. There is
always more to learn, and black belts are those who are ready enough to learn
other martial arts outside of taekwondo. This is part of the well-roundedness
associated with black belts, and their ability to apply their teachings to any
situations. No black belt should be a poor teacher.
Being a black belt isn’t just being able to kick higher than
your peers, memorizing techniques, or being able to defend yourself. Being a
black belt is to know yourself, to be a representation of the fundamental
principles of taekwondo, and to learn more about martial arts as a whole, instead
of just taekwondo. In all, being a black belt can be summed up by seven words:
courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit.
No comments:
Post a Comment