When students become ready to become blackbelts, they are required to submit an essay under the heading ‘what my blackbelt means to me’. It’s a questions designed to direct the students mind inwards, to elicit some soul searching, and to demonstrate understanding of martial principles, in equal measure. The responses vary widely in content and direction, and while it’s fair to say that there are indeed wrong answers; there is no one right answer. I have trained hundreds of students and each has their own reasons for training. That’s a good thing; it keeps us fresh, varied and interesting as an organisation. But a blackbelt is something special, so it’s important to ensure that those looking to grade understand, on a higher level, what a blackbelt means, and that we as instructors know our students are heading in the right direction.
“Blackbelt is not the end but the beginning.”
“I choose to commit myself to Han Mu Do”
“It is the end for some people but it is the start of a new chapter (for me)”
“Perseverance has played a big part in my journey of the grades and achieving blackbelt would prove to me that it wasn’t all for nothing”
It’s rewarding when potential blackbelts acknowledge that they don’t believe that their journey is over. For too many, a blackbelt is the end of their training. They miss the real rewards and only scratch the surface of their potential.
“Han Mu Do has become part of my life”
“I don’t think about the grades, I train because I enjoy it”
“It has stopped me from doing some other sports that I do, but that’s ok because my blackbelt means more to me”
“For me, Han Mu Do is not an isolated activity in my life; it is my life”
Those who stay reap the rewards, they delve ever deeper into their own psyches, pushing boundaries and evolving in every aspect of their lives. They remain forever changed by their training.
“It has really helped my positive thinking and determination to see the path forward, rather than the mountains in the way”
“I believe that without it I wouldn’t be the person I am today”
“Doing (Han Mu Do) has overall made me a more confident person”
Whether its changes to the way we think and behave, or to our confidence and outlook on life; the positive effects of a life lived in ‘Han Mu Do’ are undeniable; it helps so many and in so many different ways.
“If I reach blackbelt I will feel that I can accomplish nearly anything”
“Being a blackbelt means I can do anything”
Martial training empowers; it builds and strengthens us, gives us belief, purpose and drive. There’s nothing easy about gaining a blackbelt; its an undertaking that teaches us the rewards of hard work and dedication.
“I have learnt how to defend myself physically and mentally”
“Ive also grown stronger mentally as well as physically”
“When my mum went deaf, I came to Han Mu Do and it took my mind off it. Sometimes its hard but I’ve never wanted to quit”
Students suffer physical and mental hardships; along the way they get knocked down, they get defeated and stalled. But most importantly, they learn to get back up again; they learn the art and value of resilience.
“I will do my best when the time comes”
“I will work hard not to let my instructors down”
“Han Mu Do is something that I can achieve at”
When the hardships are overcome; when the long path is walked and the day finally comes; students put it all out there and present themselves on the mat. They stand in front of our founder, Dr He-Young Kimm, and strive to show off the best of themselves; with a desire to do their instructors, their family and themselves proud. It is a special day for any student.
“The progress I have made here means more than anything else (I have achieved)”
“I saw the philosophy behind everything we did and it altered my view”
“For me, entering the black belt grading symbolises the growth I have made through Han Mu Do”
The blackbelt is a symbol for the students growth and it represents much more than their knowledge of the techniques. There is more meaning in that belt than can be conveyed in words; but its fun to try.
“Being rewarded for all my hard work, I will wear it with honour and pride”
“A blackbelt is something I can keep forever”
“Han Mu Do made it so clear that if you aim for something and you put in the effort, then you will eventually get it”
Unconventionally, the blackbelt isn’t actually the reward; the training is the reward, the personal growth is the reward, the lifelong discipline is the reward. The belt is a symbol, not a reward. It is an acknowledgement that you’re on a higher path, a reminder of your commitment and oath to yourself and your art.
“I could contribute”
“Proud to be part of something that is so great”
Earning a blackbelt is as much a responsibility as it is a reward. Contained within the unwritten small print of a Dan certificate is the membership to an elevated level of duty. Belonging now to something larger than ourselves, it is time to give back of ourselves, to acknowledge and contribute to a loftier purpose.
“Being blackbelt is about respecting the lower belts as well as having the responsibility to be a good example to them”
“I could show other people what I have achieved and convince others to do the same”
“The lower grades watch me for guidance. I set an example, and am proud and respectful of myself and them. This is also a big part of blackbelt for me”
A student, become blackbelt, has become an example; both to the other students and to the world at large. They must take on the mantle of guide, idol and ambassador, rolled into one.
“I can also behave like a blackbelt as well”
“I feel so happy to have the responsibility of wearing a blackbelt”
“I have learnt a lot about using common sense before self-defence"
Where once their behaviour was a standing reflection for the students personality; blackbelt candidates should recognise the growing gravity of responsibility to purport themselves according to the tenets of their art. Blackbelts are judged by a different standard, and its a duty we welcome.
“Gettng my blackbelt will also make my parents proud”
“Getting my blackbelt really means a lot to me, its like winning the olympics”
“This will be the first really big thing I have achieved through hardwork and commitment”
“I have never achieved something like this before”
Walking onto the mats for every grading: a student seeks both judgment and recognition. They put forward the best of themselves and for that reason alone should be proud. Humility and pride are not mutually exclusive. Pride is an important factor in having the confidence and desire to pass on our knowledge and skills; wishing the same for others.
“I am getting closer to my dream of becoming a Han Mu Do teacher”
“I have realised there are much more things to learn than I thought there were”
“The feeling of watching these students develop and improve not only as martial artists but as people, is indescribable”
Each student has a responsibility to help others, to pass on knowledge and help others grow. But for those looking to make a commitment to becoming an instructor and a guiding light for others on the path, gaining a black belt is the first major step. It lends authority and experience to achieving that goal.
“What getting my blackbelt means to me is freedom”
“Blackbelt is my freedom and joy”
Whether it’s the practical freedom to teach or the spiritual freedom born from finding a path and purpose, a blackbelt opens doors.
“My blackbelt grading will be the most daunting challenge that I can remember”
“The most important thing for me will not be receiving my blackbelt, it will be what I did to get there”
“It has taught me how to focus and concentrate on one step at a time”
There is a strength born from the challenge of the blackbelt journey. Without the struggle, the reward is hollow. With struggle; the countless hidden rewards have sewn themselves within the students future, and their foundation is made strong.
"Martial arts is not just fighting and defending but it is also about your mind and how you think about other people”
“It means I have the ability to think things through”
“I have also become more respectful and kinder to others through what Han Mu Do has taught me”
Upon the foundation of a blackbelt is built a holistic and wholesome life. The lessons of the Dojang echo through every aspect of our lives and leave ‘golden threads’ for us to pull at, and build with, as our training continues to progress.
“As any true traditional martial artist will tell you, martial arts is not a hobby or a sport, a way to keep fit or meet people; it is a way of life, a basis for social structure and a brotherhood with a simple yet seemingly complex set of principles”
“With Han Mu Do, its different”
Aint that the truth!
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