At some point in the Karate Student’s studies they will make the resolve to attain Black Belt status. This may have been simply an extrinsic goal to receive an actual black belt, or it may be the more complex intrinsic goal to begin the journey towards inner peace, harmony and self-assuredness. Whatever the students’ reason for wanting to earn a black belt, Williams Martial Arts and Fitness believes all their black belts must have attained a certain level of basic skill proficiency and Karate-do understanding.
A black belt for many untrained people means a person possesses extraordinary skills and is capable of astonishing accomplishments. However, the diligent student of Karate-Do understands that a black belt is merely a marker, an external representation of a commitment to a betterment of one’s self. While attaining the rank of black belt is a goal in and of itself, it is not a destination. It is a beginning. It signifies the wearer is now ready to begin their study of martial arts in earnest. The student now possesses the basic skills that allow them to begin to bring together mind, body and spirit. This is a continual process that evolves and is refined throughout the student’s years.
Once a student becomes a black belt they not only continue to be respectful of their seniors, but also begin to offer guidance to their juniors. This guidance is most often in the form of setting examples of behavior and manners. The guidance is always given in the most respectful manner. As the black belt student progresses and begins to teach, they need to be mindful that teaching is a service. It is a service worthy of respect from students, peers and seniors. A teaching position should never be abused or used to validate one’s self worth. The teacher learns from fellow students and juniors and uses these lessons along their Karate-do journey.
A Williams Martial Arts and Fitness black belt represents that a student knows basic well, has made a commitment to excellence and is ready to begin the journey towards Karate-do knowledge. This holds true for a Karate-do student of any age. All aspiring Black Belts have an obligation (giri) to their instructors, families, teachers, co-workers, fellow students and dojo to behave in the most respectful, cooperative, and diligent manner. To that end, Williams Martial Arts and Fitness has provided several guide posts to aid the student in their Martial Arts journey.
Progressing from one level (Dan) of Black Belt to the next can be described with an analogy to a rope making apprentice. Those students who have fulfilled all their Kyu requirements can be said to have shown an interest in learning more about ropes. The next level, Sho Dan, is learning about tying knots in ropes. To progress to the next level, Ni Dan, the student must not only know all about tying knots, but must also understand the composition of rope and begin making rope. To attain the next level, San Dan, some barriers must be overcome. Again the student must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in knot tying, have created many ropes and know the composition of rope thoroughly. Only those students that have been involved with rope making for many years will be selected to test for this level.
All those students who have expressed an interest in testing for their Sho Dan Ho, and have met all the other requirements, will take a pretest to determine if their skills are equivalent to the minimum standard required by all WMAF black belts. Students may retake this test as often as necessary to earn an invitation to Black Belt Seminar and subsequently test for Sho Dan Ho. Those students who have held the rank of Sho Dan Ho for at least one year will also be required to take a pretest prior to being invited to Black Belt Seminar and testing for their Sho Dan.
WMAF has found one of the best ways a practitioner of Martial Arts can better their skills is by giving of themselves to other students. When the instructor teaches other students, the instructor gains a different perspective that leads to more comprehensive understanding. This is why teaching is a requirement to move to the next black belt level, Ni Dan.
Those students expressing a desire to attain Ni Dan level must be very involved in the school and all of its activities. They are respectful to all in every aspect of their lives. They have learned they are a representative of WMAF and always comport themselves as such. If they fulfill all the requirements, they may be invited to test for this level during an annual exam. This is a separate exam from the Sho Dan Ho and Sho Dan seminars. Attaining this level requires a commitment beyond attending class on a regular basis. It means the student has made karate-do and WMAF a priority in their life. The candidate will need to submit to the examination before a board of peers, other Senseis and Shihan Williams. If the student fails the examination, they will need to wait until the following year to retake the exam.
Only a select few will be invited to test for their San Dan. This level requires not only a commitment to karate-do, but also to the business of WMAF. These students are an integral part of WMAF and serve as an example to all other students. They, too, must submit to the examination before a board of peers, other Senseis and Shihan Williams. If the student fails the examination, they will need to wait until the following year to retake the exam.
In summary, it is easy to attain Sho Dan Ho. With hard work and determination, any student can reach this level. If students wish to continue on and become more proficient, they too, can advance to the next level, Sho Dan. Those students who immerse themselves in the school and wish to both progress in their own skills, as well as improve the skills of others, will be able to test for Ni Dan. In order to be qualified to test for San Dan, the student must be an integral part of the school, and be involved in not only the other students’ development, but also the development of the business aspects of the school.
