Black Belt - Man of Tao

Man of Tao

In the parable of A Man of Tao (Do) and a Little Man, a student asked, "What is the difference between a man of Tao and a little man?"

The sensei replies, "When the little man receives his first degree black belt, he can hardly wait to run home and shout at the top of his voice to tell everyone. Upon receiving his second degree black belt, he will climb to the rooftops and shout to the people. Upon receiving his third degree black belt, he will jump in his automobile and parade through town blowing the horn, telling everyone."

The sensei continues, "However, when a man of Tao receives his first degree black belt, he will bow his head in gratitude. Upon receiving his second degree black belt, he will bow his head and his shoulders. Upon receiving his third degree black belt, he will bow at the waist and quietly walk alongside the wall so that people will not see him or notice him."