The Karate KId and How to Gain a Blackbelt

                Recently I found myself watching a classic piece of American film, the great 80’s cult classic The karate Kid. For those of you who for some reason have never seen this masterpiece classic, it’s about a kid that is bullied in high school, learns karate and kicks the bullies’ ass in the city wide karate competition; all the while winning the heart of a girl who’s way out of his league and befriending an older Asian gentleman who works as the maintenance man at their apartment complex. Basically one of the movies that produced every classic 80’s stereotype (along with Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Breakfast Club, and all that jazz but I digress). At one point in the movie Mr Miyagi is asked what level belt his protégé “Daniel san” has obtained. Miyagi just lies and says black belt, because Daniel san actually hasn’t ever had a formal belt. So this is what got me thinking, what exactly is the standard to achieve a different color belt, or a higher rank?

                Through extensive research, countless interviews with experts, and a quest to a monastery in Asia to battle a Japanese monk for the ancient secret of the belts; I have discovered that there really is no exact science to it at all. The Belt system was invented by the “creator of modern Judo” Dr. Jigoro Kano. He came up with different colored belts to asses his student’s progress. This was in the 1880’s, and if you know anything about the history of martial arts, that’s a pretty recent development. 

So let’s talk about the Coveted Black Belt. The common misconception is that this the sign of karate master. That is not so, it is actually the most basic of the advanced belts. To receive one you just have to be “competent in a style's basic technique,” according to LV Karate in Las Vegas. They go on to describe other attributes a black belt should have    

Demonstration of the capacity for hard work and perseverance

Development of self-respect and the deep respect gained for others

An exemplary strengthening of moral fiber and high regard for family values

Strong desires to protect while adhering too and safeguarding personal beliefs

Learning to accept responsibility for your own actions and decisions

Gaining the respect of your peers and successful socialization with others

Accomplishing the basic physical Martial arts skills to the best of your ability

A symbol of excellence and the desire to do your best in every task you undertake

The ability to over come personal fears, climb hurdles and so increase in confidence

Demonstrate patience, kindness, and compassion at all times

            A black belt is sometimes compared with a bachelor’s degree in Karate, then a 5^th degree black belt would qualify you or a “master” level, so kind of like a masters’ degree. Finally an 8^th degree black belt would be a “grandmaster,” sort of like a doctorate in karate.

So there you have it, Mr Miyagi had the right idea when he just B.S’d Daniel san’s belt level. It’s all up to the Sensei anyway.