Making Swords

Instructors create black belts in much the same way that swords were created

Some black belt makers merely cast their black belts in the same moulds that made them, so any imperfections in them are passed on to their students. This process allows many black belts to be created in a short period. These black belts are only as good as their instructors; they do not hold their edge and, when worked too hard, they tend to break.

Skilled samurai style black belt makers know that there are impurities in the teaching process, so they forge their students over many years, pounding them into hardened steel. Along the way, they teach their students the “way” of the martial arts, so that, even though they can be ruthless when required, they can also be sensitive and caring. Skilled black belt makers work with the natural curve of the students and develop them in ways that complement their natural abilities. These black belts stand the test of time and remain true black belts until they are no longer needed in this life.