What does attaining
my black belt mean to me?
Written by Angela Prest
Karate-do has made a remarkable impact on my life. It has changed my outlook and my lifestyle. A few years ago the answer to this question would have been short and sweet. Attaining my black belt was my ultimate goal and once I achieved it, I thought that was it. Over the last year my view and goals have changed considerably as a senior Karateka. Although attaining my black belt will give me a sense of accomplishment and reward for training diligently for eight years, it is no longer a major goal. Since I started training for my black belt I have learnt many things along the way. Although at times it has been hard to balance school work, other sports, work and seeing friends, fellow Karateka have been there to guide me. It has helped me sort out was is really important to me and how to combine things to get the right balance in life. When training towards a black belt level I have realised that there are many more benefits to Karate-do that I was aware of. These include both the physical and spiritual aspects of a Karateka's life. Karate-do is like a tree, at the moment I am at the trunk of basics, as my foundation, and I am just beginning to discover the many different branches that are ahead of me. Before, my goal was to reach the top of the trunk but now my goals have divided into many different smaller goals for each branch that grows.
Before starting the hard training towards a black belt I never thought I could have reached such a high fitness level. Both my cardiovascular fitness level and strength have increased remarkably. Now I know I can achieve this level I will strive to maintain it and if not constantly improve it as I have done in the past. It also gives me confidence to try other things because I am feeling and looking good. Through this intense training I have also learnt to strengthen my mind and 'never give in'. I now know I can do things I would never dreamed of doing before, for example running six kilometres without stopping, and squatting for ten minutes. Sometimes it was hard to keep going but with a positive attitude and courage I knew I could fight through the pain and I proved to myself mat I could do it. This also gives me confidence which is reflected in a more positive attitude towards many aspects of my life. These such experiences are character building and the challenge now is to consistently be at peace with myself. Through constantly reading about Karate-do and the martial arts I have widened my knowledge and learnt many valuable lessons. I have developed a true understanding of ki energy and the usefulness of the kiai coming from deep within (the hard). Now I kiai louder and with more feeling. I have found when I am tired and struggling the louder I kiai the more it helps and gives me determination to keep going. I can also see that attaining a black belt is just the beginning of my journey along 'the way', as is reflected in the meaning of shodan a beginner.
Another goal now is to get something out of each lesson, I can see there is so much more to learn. I am interested in adding some of the new techniques the black belts are learning now and adding them to my tool box. Being invited to seminars this year has opened my mind to the diversity of Karate-do. Many of the senses are inspirational and I have certainly benefited from them and added several things to my tool box. Seminars on other aspects of Karate-do, such as bo, have instilled interest in my mind to become proficient with such a weapon, as many Karateka have. These seminars have also improved my ability to apply bunkai to a technique, giving me several applications to work on and think about. This continuous learning keeps the mind assertive. I want all my techniques to be perfected and to become second nature without hesitation so if something were to happen I would be in shape to defend myself.
When trying to perfect new techniques and working on my weaknesses it has often made me aware of other's weaknesses so I can pass on my knowledge to other Karateka that may benefit. Therefore attaining my black belt will give me the responsibility and chance to help teach fellow Karateka and guide them along 'their way'. As my seniors have helped guide me, as I am closer to attaining a black belt I fully understand and respect all the long and hard work that is put in to obtaining the status. And to have attained something which is fully earned will always be remembered and cherished. Also the responsibility of doing the bow in and out made me memorise and appreciate the significance of our club motto. Not a word is wasted, they all have their place and meaning. Also in the training manual me words 'The key to happiness is having goals. The key to success is making those goals a reality' are very important. Attaining my black belt has lead me towards achieving a goal, therefore happiness and success.
I have discovered Karate-do is like a pond, it is deeper than you think.