What is a Black Belt?

Meaning

There's so many misconceptions about what it means to be a black belt. Some common ones include:

• They are master warriors capable of extraordinary feats. 
• They are all-knowing. 
• They are deserving of admiration and worship. 
• They are spiritual and philosophical geniuses.

The truth is, none of these are true. The most basic definition is this:

A black belt is a person who has mastered the basic techniques and concepts of their respective martial arts discipline.

Is that all there is to it? No, of course not. It is reasonable to assume that a person who has achieved a black belt will also be a confident person who has learned the meaning of respect, perseverance and self-discipline. However, that's not always the case. It really depends on the school/instructor. The unfortunate truth is, there are many schools out there who don't teach these values, and their curriculum is a sham. Many award black belts to young students after only a short time in training, giving a false sense of security and often results in an inflated ego. Those that run such schools are only interested in the business aspect, and making a profit (they are known as McDojo's). This is why people need to research before choosing a martial arts school/program, to be sure they are truly getting the benefits they are paying for. Generally, if a curriculum takes any less than 3 years to achieve a black belt, it's safe to assume that it is a "McDojo". A good program should take 4-6 years, maybe 3 at the very least. It is not the black belt itself that a student should be proud of, it is the journey toward getting it that is the real achievement.

Ranking

Yes, black belts have ranks, from Junior black belt or "Observation" to 10th Degree. It's different from the color belt ranks, both in terms of meaning and how the ranks are achieved. The Japanese term for a black belt rank is "Dan" (1st Dan, 2nd Dan, etc.). In some systems, a black belt cannot be achieved until the student is at least 16 years of age, until which time a "Junior Black Belt" will be awarded (sometimes designated by a black belt with a white stripe down the center). Some curriculums (like mine) awards an "Observation Black Belt" before 1st Dan, indicated by just a plain black belt with no rank stripes (or sometimes a two toned belt of red & black, called a Poom belt). The general guideline for most systems go as follows:

• Expert: Observation (or 1st Dan if not applicable) to 3rd Dan 
• Master: 4th Dan to 6th Dan 
• Grand-Master: 7th Dan to 10th Dan 

So how are these ranks achieved? It varies by system, even by school. But I'll explain how my system works. Usually black belt testing is done in front of a panel of instructors (it can range from 2 to 10). The instructor awarding the rank has to be at least 2 Dan ranks above the rank being awarded (with the exception of Grand-master ranks). Black belt ranks are not only based on skill, but also on merit... the higher the rank, the more heavily it relies on merit. It's not unusual for a candidate to spend several months preparing for rank advancement. Here are general requirements for my system:

• Observation: Must demonstrate proficiency in all learned material (white through red belt), must have fulfilled Sempai hours, and must possess leadership qualities. 
• 1st - 3rd Dan: In addition to required material, must show high level of respect, humility and strength of character. 
• 4th - 6th Dan: In addition to required material, must show exemplary leadership qualities and deep level of understanding of martial arts concepts/ techniques. 
• 7th - 8th Dan: These ranks require a panel of high-ranking instructors and decision must be unanimous. In addition to required material, must have shown great strides in understanding martial arts concepts, technique and philosophy, personal development of character and potential to impact the lives of others. 
• 9th - 10th Dan: These ranks have no skill-based components and cannot be tested for. They are solely based on merit and requires nomination by at least 2 high ranking officials. The nomination is brought before a panel where credentials are reviewed and deliberated. Usually these ranks are awarded to the heads of schools or organizations, who have made a significant impact on the martial arts and in the lives of others. 

Sometimes, different ranks of black belt are indicated by rank stripes or special belts. Some examples include a Renshi belt, which is two-toned (red and white) on one side and black on the other (usually indicating 5th or 6th Dan). Some master belts (4th Dan and above) are white, black or red with a contrasting color trim around the edge. Some systems don't have a red belt in the colored ranks, instead a red belt indicates a very high ranking individual (9th or 10th Dan). Other master or grand-master belts have panels of red and white or black and white, or are black with a colored stripe down the center (usually red). Many of these belts include custom embroidery with their name in English, and/or characters from their style's country of origin (Japanese or Korean), indicating their style and/or school. Others just wear a plain black belt with no markings whatsoever.

It's important to keep in mind that a belt is just a belt, a piece of cloth. A person's rank is only significant within their own style or school. Different styles have different ranks, different requirements and different standards. It is the person behind the belt that really indicates if they are truly worthy of the rank they wear. You be the judge.

-Sensei Kristalyn