Black belt

A black belt is a white belt that did not quit!

The Navy is run by chief petty officers. They are highly regarded and respected by both commissioned and non-commissioned officers. When a recruit enters the Navy, the first person he or she will probably deal with is a chief. Anywhere in the Navy, when sailors have a question, they are told to "Ask the chief!" For these reasons, most sailors aspire to becoming a chief someday.

Taekwondo is run by black belts. They are highly regarded and respected by all martial artists. When potential students enter a dojang, they immediately notice the black belts. When students have a question, they are told to "Ask the black belt!" For these reasons, most students aspire to becoming a black belt someday.

Black belts exemplify the virtues of Taekwondo and should be emulated by students. Black belts should be respected and should earn respect. Black belts are martial artists, but they are also leaders and teachers, whether they are aware of it or not.

Black belts are a repository of Taekwondo history, Taekwondo techniques, and the scientific reasoning behind the techniques. They understand why techniques are performed, why they are taught in the manner they are, and how they and others may improve upon technique execution, application, and instruction. 

Color belt students have the luxury of regular promotions with rather short intervals between them so they have a way to check on their progress and inspire themselves. Black belts have many months or even years between promotions so they have no easy way to judge their progress, so they must use self-motivation for inspiration.