Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Responsibilities of a Black Belt - Chief Instructor's Blog July 2015


To reach the level of Black Belt takes accumulation of many years of training through  commitment to the art form itself and perseverance.  It demonstrates you have the background, physical skill, and understand the basic philosophy of the art form.

Reaching this level comes with responsibility both subtle and profound.  You have become an ambassador for the art form and the Club.  In becoming an ambassador whether you asked for it or not, you are now a role model for all lower rank students.  They will look at your attitude, training habits, how you interact with instructors and students, your technique and try to emulate you.  They will learn from you whether you are a certified instructor or not by interacting with you in class, by hearing your stories of your training and how you have overcome obstacles (e.g., injuries) in your journey.  

In reaching this level, you have demonstrated the skill to defend yourself with proficiency in Han Moo Kwan techniques and forms.  You have proven you have the capability to do immense damage.  And because of this, you have a responsibility to do everything you can to avoid the use of the physical aspect art form and only use it as a last resort.  You have a responsibility to share with everyone you come in contact with (inside or outside the Club) to share the true essence of martials arts- it is about connecting mind-body-and spirit and it is for use of self-defense only, and only if you absolutely have to.

Therefore you have an immense responsibility to understand yourself, your hot buttons, and understand in what scenario and under what conditions you feel requires the use of your physical skill.  And over the years, these scenarios may change, as you grow and learn and your situation changes (e.g., get married, have children, etc.).  And therefore, you have a responsibility to constantly self-reflect and look inward, learning more and more about who you are. 

Many people may think reaching first level Black Belt is the ultimate and while it is a great accomplishment, it is only the beginning of not just learning the art form but learning about yourself and the responsibilities of the belt you wear.  To sum it up simply, when asked about our goals in martial arts, or simply why we should practice, Mr. Kim simply said “To better ourselves.”

Regards,
Kelly

“He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty.”~ Lao-Tzu (6th century BC), philosopher of ancient China, and best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching