A Message to the Black Belt Candidates From Sensei

Dear Randy, Hannah, Caity, Timmy & Melissa -

The initial goal of every Martial Arts student is to become a Black Belt. This is because being a Black Belt is something very special. Only one out of maybe 100 students who start Martial Arts stay with it to earn their Black Belt.

Through dedication and effort, the Black Belt has mastered many of the techniques of Martial Arts. One is able to defend themselves and has become very strong- both physically and mentally. However, just like there is much more to Martial Arts than punching and kicking, there is much more to being a Black Belt than being good at punching and kicking.

Wearing the Black Belt means the wearer has dedicated a substantial amount of time and effort directed towards a specific goal. The Black Belt proves you have met a goal.  But you will need to continue and set a new goal so you will continue to grow as a martial artist and a person!

Becoming a Black Belt is certainly a great honor, but with it comes much responsibility. When you become a Black Belt, the reputation of your Martial Arts Instructor, your school, the art, and, most importantly, yourself, all depend on your good behavior. Other people, in your school and outside of the Martial Arts school, will think of you as a very important person. You will have accomplished something great, and people will try to copy your behavior. Accordingly, you must act in a responsible and respectable manner at all times.

This means that you must do what you think is right or best all the time. You must not be swayed by others who would have you do otherwise. You must set an example for other students in your Martial Arts school by doing your best 100% of the time. You must treat everybody with dignity and respect, and you will find that you will gain their respect in return.

At its core, Karate isn't about self-defense, but instead self-completion. It teaches people how to learn, how to work, how to live. In martial arts it is necessary to always work with control in order to bring out the best in oneself and one's partner; if partners are too aggressive with one another, someone is likely to get hurt, but if the partners do not challenge each other enough, neither will improve. This principle also applies in life. One must find a balance in how aggressive one should act in "real life" relationships. I found that everything I learned in the dojo was applicable outside of it as well.

One principle philosophy in our style of martial arts, is a balance between hard and soft; people should be "hard" enough so that they will stand up for what they believe in, but "soft" enough to compromise and be open minded. Throughout my teenage years this has proven to be one of the most important qualities to master, for temptation is lurking around every corner. Another important philosophy from karate is the eight virtues of Black Belt: modesty, courtesy, integrity, compassion, self-control, gratitude, perseverance, and indomitable spirit. These virtues are what martial artist strive to attain in their lives, and I do my best to apply these attributes in my everyday life.

Although the outward benefits of being a Black Belt may at first seem materialistic and superficial, an extra line to fill on your college applications or an achievement to brag to your friends about, its real significance goes much deeper. The Black Belt encourages you to set a good example, to be a role model both in and outside of class. Having a Black Belt adds a responsibility of acting like a Black Belt, of behaving responsibly, working diligently, and outwardly projecting and living by the eight virtues of Black Belt and the student creeds.

I could continue listing these philosophies, but that would be rather hypocritical to what karate is really about. As my Sensei often reminds my fellow students and me, "Karate is not a talking art, but a doing art." Listing off countless philosophies and each one's meaning would be futile, without "doing" these philosophies, without living by them. A deep and potentially meaningful statement on paper is weak and feeble, but when applied in life, it has supreme power and importance.

Studying martial arts has not simply taught me how to rattle off creeds and codes, even a parrot can do that. Karate does not spawn parrots, it creates people, real people, meaningful people, people who can think, learn and discover for themselves. Just as life can not be learned from a book, the secrets of Karate can't be revealed in a one page essay. Only through living, through taking risks can its real meaning be found. It is interesting that the majority of Karate's lessons aren't learned in the dojo at all. So I continue studying Karate each and every day I live, I learn. This is the true study of Karate, living and learning

To wear the revered Black Belt, you must do your best and be your best because you are a winner and a leader!!!  Congratulations for getting to this point!  This is a point where most never get to and in itself is an accomplishment.  The work, however, is yet to come - first to get to the Black Belt level as this will be the most tested and difficult time of all the years of your training.  We are going to push you to levels that you have never been and never thought you could achieve.  You may at times think that we are not your friend but trust me we are and we want you to be the best you can be.  Secondly you will need to not feel like you have done it all once you receive the rank.  With humility you MUST take on the responsibility and understanding that Black Belt indicates that you have mastered the basics and NOW the real learning begins.

I can honestly say that I am truly proud and honored to have you call me your instructor. You have worked extremely hard for this day and I have pushed you over and over again, sometimes to the point in which you had no idea why or whether this is what you truly wanted.  Along the way you have had pains, aches, frustration, tears, some blood and aggravation.  Like all good things they do not come easy.  Well next week, because of your work and dedication you will shine.  You will achieve a realm that you could have never dreamed of just a few months ago.  Understand that the each of you and those who have gone before as well as those that you will inspire to go after are the only ones that will ever experience the awakening and growth that you have in the past few months and more importantly on test day. You see for next week at the test you will endure it all again - one more time with witnesses in family, friends and loved ones who will be in awe for what you have accomplished.

You will have crossed a threshold! A threshold of will, resilience, perseverance, heart and life, never to look back again.  You will now realize how much greater potential you have and this is only a scratch in the surface.  The next time you find yourself thinking you can't do something or that you can't make it - come back to this place, and find the will and the heart to keep going as you have done here.  You are truly amazing individuals and I will be proud to have my signature on your certificate!  Remember, "Do not let your circumstances dictate your destinies!"

May your journey be much more fulfilling than your goal and may it be as enlightening an experience as mine has been! - Sensei Abraham