Becoming a Black Belt

In Shotokan karate, Brown Belt 3rd stripe precedes Black Belt 1st degree.

You can spend a lot of time at Brown Belt 3rd stripe—years—learning and perfecting the katas required to pass the test to become a Black Belt.

Interestingly, the technical skill level between a Brown Belt 3rd stripe and a Black Belt is not radically different.

If either had to defend themselves, they would do quite a job.

What can be radically different is the difference in character between the two ranks.

It’s why you can spend so much time waiting for Sensei to give you the opportunity to test for Black Belt.

He’s waiting for your character to mature.

Becoming a Black Belt is much more than just your technical aptitude.

It’s mostly about how you will wield your skill and for what purpose.

How well you represent the sacred tradition and all those who came before you.

Really, the Sensei is waiting for your ego to dwindle, almost to the point where there is total indifference to earning the ultimate title.

Photo: Takahashi Sensei, Black Belt 8th degree, highest attainable rank. This was the author's Sensei, the author who made it to Brown Belt 1st stripe way back when. :)