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A great public misconception is that all black belt holders are experts. This is understandable since the public's knowledge of the martial arts comes mostly from motion pictures and television. This is compounded by the fact that some novice black belt holders advertise themselves as experts, and, eventually, even convince themselves they are experts.

First degree black belt (first dan) is only the beginning of another stage in the training of a Taekwondo student. Until this point, the student has merely been building a foundation. It will be many years before the final structure is completed. The job of building the structure lies ahead, but, if a firm foundation has been laid, the building process will be less difficult.

A diligent student may attain first dan in about 2-3 years of continuous training. This is the equivalent of an associate of arts college degree. Much more training and many more dan promotions are required before reaching the Ph.D. level (master ranks) and being considered an authority on Taekwondo.

From my experience, if a student diligently trains 2 to 3 times a week, it will take about 4 years before it all comes together and the student understand what Taekwondo is about. At that point, the students' techniques will be quick, powerful, and proper, a proper understanding of patterns will have occurred, and the student's sparring will be reflexive, not planned. At this point, when the student spars, he or she will do very little. Instead, he or she will be at the right place at the right time, will be able to read opponents' intentions, and will only attack openings when they occur or are created by the students. All these should be attributes of a first degree black belt, but regrettably, by the time these things occur, the student is usually a second degree black belt or higher. This means that the student was not ready to be a black belt when promoted to first degree black belt. It is a shame, but that is how the martial arts have evolved. If things keep evolving this way, students will not be achieving these black belt attributes until third degree or higher.

Kong is a Korean term for the merit or credit you gain from your service and achievements. In the Navy, if two sailors were being considered for promotion, their records would be searched for kong. The one with the most awards and achievements would probably get the promotion.

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