Black belt prestige

Has the prestige of the black belt been lost forever?

Regrettably, yes! There are still some organizations, schools, and instructors that still regard the black belt as a vaulted position of honor that must be preserved. They have high requirements and standards that each person must meet to attain a black belt and they do not bend them to allow lesser-qualified persons to attain a black belt. Their black belt testing is long, arduous, and only offered to a select few; and only a few make it. In these organizations and schools, the black belt still has prestige and it is still considered a major milestone in a martial artist’s life, not just another rank. These black belts realize the awesome responsibilities that come with a black belt and they behave accordingly.

However, these organizations, schools, and instructors have become relics of the pasty. Today, money rules! To make more money, organizations, schools, and instructors award black belts to everyone. To be politically correct, they have adopted the philosophy that anyone who pays and stays will get a black belt. The days of the warrior black belt are gone forever.

Who are you going to call when you, your family, your town, your state, or your country is threatened, now that being a warrior is considered passé? Maybe that eight-year-old black belt who lives next door will defend you.