Greetings!
That is probably one of the most widely used statements in all of Martial Arts.
It is also probably one of the most misunderstood.
Unfortunately in today's "Commercial " world, there are many schools where if you just hang around long enough you will get a Black Belt. Our culture has become one of entitlement. A large portion of our population believes that they have certain rights, regardless of effort, skill, or ability.
" Well as long as I show up for class and I pay my tuition each month, how can they not give me my next belt at testing?"
If this is your approach to the Martial Arts, then yes, you will probably be able to stick around long enough to get your Black Belt ...eventually.
This is not however the true meaning of the statement, and in no way captures the spirit of the phrase.
"A Black Belt Is A White Belt That Never Quit" refers to the continuous battle that any true Martial Artist struggles through each time they get on the mat.
Am I good Enough?
Am I strong Enough?
Am I working out hard enough?
Am I working out often enough?
These questions and a thousand others plague "GREAT" Martial Artists every day.
Please remember that questioning your effort and resolve, and becoming self deprecating are two drastically different things. The first of these will challenge you to reflect on your dedication and growth, while the second is plagued with doubt and " Stinkin Thinkin".
A True Black Belt never quits when they are down. In fact that is quite often when you will find them at their best. They will struggle to the last second to accomplish even the most slight of goals. These statements are not in any way reserved for their performance on the mat, but in every aspect of life. I can give you a hundred stories of how I have seen students change their lives, and even the lives of those around them with offering nothing more than a good role model.
Exercise:
Take 30 seconds and list out as many times as you can that you have set a goal for yourself in the last year that you have since let go of without accomplishing it.
Now let's repeat this exercise and make a list of all the specific goals that you have made and completed.
Which list is bigger? If the first list is larger, then we have some work to do, because you are giving up on yourself. If the second list is larger, then congratulations, you are well on your way to achieving excellence!
If you have any questions, or feel that we may be able to help you in any of the areas that we have discussed in the previous weeks, then give me a call!
