I haven’t seen the new Karate Kid movie yet, but the first Karate Kid movie spurred an entire generation of Daniel-san wannabes – and the martial arts industry flurished.
Unfortunately, the quality of many chop-saki karate schools left much to be desired and many disappointed students dropped out, never earning that coveted Black Belt.
And, with such poor instruction, those that did stay and get their belts have to ask what it is they actually learned. Can they break bricks with their bare hands? Can they protect themselves and their families on the streets? Can they catch flies with their chopsticks?
Old School martial arts instructors claimed that only one in a thousand had what it takes to become a Black Belt. I think that this says more about the teaching abilities of these instructors than the challenges of the curriculum! Black Belt level does take dedication, physical fitness and the mastery of many offensive and defensive skills, but it’s not beyond the grasp of an average human being.
Black Belt training isn’t just for that one in a thousand “natural athlete”. Experienced trainers know that even average students can produce above average results. Good instructors not only have an intimate knowledge of their curriculum, they know what it takes to motivate students from all walks of life. They know more than one way to communicate their message.
The Black Belt is a goal to strive for. It’s a measure of physical skills and physical prowess. The Black Belt shows that it’s wearer has studied hard for a long time, mastering each step before moving to the next. It stands for dedication, to achieving goals, to obtaining the first glimpses of mastery.
It’s a beginning, too. The achievement of a Black Belt opens the door for personal goals in every aspect of life.
It’s not for one in a thousand. It’s for everybody.
Although not too many flies are scared when I approach with chopsticks.
