An artikle by Christian Wedewardt
As being said in my previous article’s, I do not claim a special knowledge for myself rather than just sharing my opinions looking forward to some positive feedback from you.
The black belt. The master. The dan degree.
You may get a sense that holding a black belt in a traditional martial art may be something special when you mention it to someone who is not involved in those kind of sports. But what is actually so special about it? Is it the myth surrounding the subliminal art of fighting, the potential danger, the attitude of a person who kept on pushing until reaching the ultimate goal up to this level, the expected sportsmanship, the belief of a higher ability to focus, reliability, commitment or stamina?
Yes — most likely all of the mentioned and much more in addition.
This article though is supposed to answer this question from an inside point of view from within the Karate community without loosing the perspective of modern tradition. What characterizes a black belt today? What does this physical, external sign mean today and what is it supposed to mean?
would like to start looking at the predicament of our Karate society too often only putting the focus on the athletic part of the Karate education. You are allowed to test and promote when you reached a specific technical quality. But is it enough for getting a first degree black belt? My opinion: No! Because as it is well-known holding a black belt means being a role model. And this feature was never meant solely related to technique. For me being a role model today means being a proper member of our community, society and Dojo. Values such as
- Honesty
- Courtesy
- Modesty
- Respect
- Diligence
- Commitment for your community
are therefore keystones not tested though they belong to our Karate-Do so much.
To my mind nobody has to mimic traditional, asian values from the 18th and 19th century but rather transfer those into our today´s time and society.
So what is significant for a today´s Karate master?
People carrying a black belt definitely should possess a significant amount of techniques and have the ability to proper perform them. They should also be a role model to people surrounding them — at least in the dojo but preferably outside as well. The higher the black belt degree the more the will to strengthen the community and the development of the art itself should be emphasized rather than the own ego.
Someone once said: „Karate-Do is a small town business!“
In small towns and little villages, where often rather young people, or even elderly, but mostly lower black belt degrees teach, are the values and techniques of karate-do widely perfectly shown to the people. — And that´s great!
So what´s the conclusion?
A black belt should be a role model when it comes to techniques as much as when it comes to being a good person. The higher the degree the higher the modesty and service to the community should be.
True masters do not present themselves as the most important person and neither do they claim special rights for themselves. They are rather the ones most likely to welcome new people to their community, smile often and lend an ear to everyone. A black belt holder is an honest, polite and modest Karate expert who diligently practices Karate and treats his or her surrounding respectfully in service of the community. To this effect we all have a special obligation: Being a role model and living the values of the Karate-Do in a way that holding a black belt will still be a special sign to people within and outside of the dojo community.
At last holding a black belt in any kind of Budo art is not a privilege rather than a responsibility.
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Christian Wedewardt
