Any Black belts here?

[Toreador93]

I took Aikido during my Senior year in High School. We had colored belts, but we never learned anything relevant to our belts during class time. That meant if we wanted to advance, we'd have to do it outside of class. I ran track at the time, and joined an improve group, so my time was limited. I got my first stripe on my white belt, but I was definitely better than some of the striped yellow belts.

I did watch an Aikido black-belt test (it was held instead of class). It was incredible! The Rondori part was really cool, seeing him toss around our senseis.

 

[pdpfilms]

Chuck Norris is a blackbelt so WATCH IT.

 

[WinterMute]

How many years did it take you to get each black belt? It seems like you either got them very quickly to have accomplished so much in martial arts, or you're old (no offense).

I got a green belt in Shotokan Karate when I was younger, and later in Uni I got a green belt in Goju-Ryu Karate and they made me learn about the history of Goju-Ryu. While that seems quite normal, I wasn't interested in the history at all. I just did martial arts for its practicality and as a form of exercise, so sorry if I sound a bit slack. I didn't care for martial arts really. I just wanted to be able to defend myself, so once I got my green in Goju-Ryu and had to learn a bunch of Japanese and start writing essays on my interpretation of certain things, I quit.

Bit of both really, I'm 41, started karate at 17, passed my first dan in about 3 years and another 2 to get second I think, not particularly quick as it goes.

Aikido is well known for being a "long-haul" art, grading at the minimum time requirements yields a black belt in 5 years in Tomiki Aikido, it's less in some styles, more in others. I got my 1st Dan in 2003, could have graded to 2nd this summer, but work commitments got in the way, so I'll be aiming for next summers National Championships.

I've never heard of a martial arts school that makes you write essays, that's really strange...

If you want some real self defence, take up Krav Maga... Lovely stuff, but not much use if you just want to stay fit.

 

[WinterMute]

Thanks. It was a real tight finish for me (my test was Saturday, my master OK'ed the test Thursday night) but I performed on test day so its all fine. I did some things he didnt like during my test, but my parents assured me that it's just a cultural difference (he's from Korea) that he just misinterpreted. Oh well, life goes on.

Anyway...

Yeah, aikido seems like a very practical art. Taekwondo is practical to a point, but really just gets me in super solid shape. Congrats on getting dan in multiple arts. While some may not think that impressive because people tend to think that after you get one you can get another pretty easily, to be able to switch art after going so far and get to that level again is quite impressive.

Ha, it took me about a year to stop switching into a karate stance unconsciously, the Aikido stance feels all wrong to begin with, but is designed to give maximum benefit of movement and balance. My biggest problem was resisting the urge to throw a flying back-fist into the free-play sections of the training, I did pop the odd side kick when under pressure early on....

Strangely enough, we are now encouraged to use mixed technique as part of the Aikido canon which means a good roundhouse can come in very useful. The hardest mixed martial artists are the boxers, you just can't hurt them and they are quick!

 

[Abstract]

I've never heard of a martial arts school that makes you write essays, that's really strange...

If you want some real self defence, take up Krav Maga... Lovely stuff, but not much use if you just want to stay fit.

Tell me about it. I was a bit surprised as well, although I've had people tell me that history and theory is a part of it.

As a part of getting your black belt, you needed to write a short, 3-page (hand-written, not typed) essay. It was a test, so you had to write it there, not at home. You also had to pass the regular stuff, like katas and sparring. They could call any kata you've ever learned, and you had to be better than anybody else (of lower rank) doing the same kata.

Again, I quit after I got my green belt. Should have stuck with Shotokan, because my sensei didn't require anything other than for me to memorize all the moves in Japanese, which is justified.

If I had to take up a Martial art, it wouldn't be one of the mainstream ones like karate, judo, TKD, or kung fu. There's just too many schools that have watered these "arts" down. Some are too easy and are basically giving belts away at each test. That's why you see so many 11 year olds with black belts in Tae Kwon Do who can't even kick properly.

 

[gwuMACaddict]

i'm wearing a black belt at work today

(seriously though, congrats to all of you- definitely a neat accomplishment)

 

[xraydoc]

I earned a 1st degree black belt in Choi Kwang Do about 3 years ago.
I'm now thinking about studying either Krav Maga or Aikido.

 

[G5orbust]

If I had to take up a Martial art, it wouldn't be one of the mainstream ones like karate, judo, TKD, or kung fu. There's just too many schools that have watered these "arts" down. Some are too easy and are basically giving belts away at each test. That's why you see so many 11 year olds with black belts in Tae Kwon Do who can't even kick properly.

Haha some are watered down and give belts out like pot at a Grateful Dead concert, however my school is definitely nothing of the sort. My master is full blooded Korean and doesnt mess around. We have our share of young black belts and not too many are that good but they passed the test so they are or were at some point qualified (kids tend to forget really quickly what they've learned). I tested with two other people that day, both kids. I was the only one who passed and that was by the skin of my teeth, or so it seemed. My master is not about making the choice that sits well with the parents or students. If you mess up, better luck next test.

 

[Kobushi]

....

I've never heard of a martial arts school that makes you write essays, that's really strange...

My art has "the perfection of character" as its primary purpose. As such, part of its esoteric principles is: Do not disdain or regard lightly either literary or military art. Some may find it weird, but the essays start at green belt and are a minimum 10 pages at Shodan and everything after. Also, a current CPR and First Aid card must be kept at every rank. There are written and performance exams at every level (to include the arts in japanese, but also history, philosophy, and healing). A Nidan (2nd Black) must pass a college level anatomy & physiology course. My sensei said "it would be the hardest class you ever take"...he's right, of course. All courses and exams must be passed with 90% or better.

 

[Abstract]

Wow. Just......wow.

 

[GoCubsGo]

I have a black belt. It's nice and looks good with my jeans.
Thank you drive thru.

 

[khammack]

My art has "the perfection of character" as its primary purpose. As such, part of its esoteric principles is: Do not disdain or regard lightly either literary or military art. Some may find it weird, but the essays start at green belt and are a minimum 10 pages at Shodan and everything after. Also, a current CPR and First Aid card must be kept at every rank. There are written and performance exams at every level (to include the arts in japanese, but also history, philosophy, and healing). A Nidan (2nd Black) must pass a college level anatomy & physiology course. My sensei said "it would be the hardest class you ever take"...he's right, of course. All courses and exams must be passed with 90% or better.

We have a winner!

So what art is this?

-kev

 

[WinterMute]

My art has "the perfection of character" as its primary purpose. As such, part of its esoteric principles is: Do not disdain or regard lightly either literary or military art. Some may find it weird, but the essays start at green belt and are a minimum 10 pages at Shodan and everything after. Also, a current CPR and First Aid card must be kept at every rank. There are written and performance exams at every level (to include the arts in japanese, but also history, philosophy, and healing). A Nidan (2nd Black) must pass a college level anatomy & physiology course. My sensei said "it would be the hardest class you ever take"...he's right, of course. All courses and exams must be passed with 90% or better.

What and where are you studying?

The First aid and CPR I can understand and approve of, but I'm afraid I have a much more pragmatic view of martial arts these days.

Studying history and philosophy (presumably of the art and it's origins) is something that happens around the training anyway, but it's very unusual to find that level of academic process in a martial arts club in the UK.

 

[kiwi_the_iwik]

I got my 1st Dan in Judo back in 1986 when I was 16. I was pretty good at it, and got as far as the Olympic team in New Zealand for the '92 Barcelona Games.

But then, I got injured rather badly in 1989 (the tendons in my left knee were ripped during a training accident and I needed an operation), so I made an early retirement.

Now, I occasionally go to training at a nice club in London - just to keep myself fit, and to help teach the younger folk half my age. I've considered getting a new grading, as I still have enough points for my 3rd Dan, but I really just need a decent Kata partner first!

Anyway - to top things off, I have a 5 year old son who has just taken it up (no - I'm NOT a pushy dad, as he actually WANTED to go on his own accord!). So I'm really chuffed! It's great for him to learn how to fall properly, so he won't hurt himself snowboarding, etc...

 

[Will Cheyney]

I took up Karate once. I didn't stick to it though and eventually just stopped going. I got into weight training instead

 

[Kobushi]

What and where are you studying?

The First aid and CPR I can understand and approve of, but I'm afraid I have a much more pragmatic view of martial arts these days.

Studying history and philosophy (presumably of the art and it's origins) is something that happens around the training anyway, but it's very unusual to find that level of academic process in a martial arts club in the UK.

The art is Jujitsu, the syle is Danzan Ryu

I think you'd be hard pressed to find an art with this kind curriculum anywhere, although we are found in the states and several places overseas.

True, the history and philosophy is present at every class, and you can't help but learn it. We just like to be sure that you do The academic heavy system tends to weed out undesirables such as those who just want to learn how to "beat people up". Inasmuch as we teach how to mangle another human, we expect the student to learn how to heal as well. There are massage certification, bone setting, athletic taping, and joint relocation requirements as well.

Although this is not required, I can't think of any black belts in our organization (there are several in DZR), that do not have a college degree.

It sounds really hard and strict, but you really get a sense of family when at classes/conventions.

 

[XNine]

I quit Karate just before my Black belt test ebcause my mother was sick. Since then (damn, it's been over 10 years?!!?!) I've done a little bit of Kung Fu and Aikido. I would choose Kung Fu over any, unless I found a suitable sensai for Jeet kun do.

But, I've been in enough fights to know that technique is not always important, but getting the finishing blow in first is.

 

[WinterMute]

The art is Jujitsu, the syle is Danzan Ryu

I think you'd be hard pressed to find an art with this kind curriculum anywhere, although we are found in the states and several places overseas.

True, the history and philosophy is present at every class, and you can't help but learn it. We just like to be sure that you do The academic heavy system tends to weed out undesirables such as those who just want to learn how to "beat people up". Inasmuch as we teach how to mangle another human, we expect the student to learn how to heal as well. There are massage certification, bone setting, athletic taping, and joint relocation requirements as well.

Although this is not required, I can't think of any black belts in our organization (there are several in DZR), that do not have a college degree.

It sounds really hard and strict, but you really get a sense of family when at classes/conventions.

We share our Dojo with a Ju-jitsu club, Goshin Ryu style, I like the art, but find the style of Aikido more suitable to my temperament.

I left Karate because of the bully-boy attitude of some of the newer recruits who thought it was enough to learn a Mawashi-geri and a spinning uraken and that gave them the right to beat the crap out of anyone in reach. A bully is a bully is a bully.

I blame weak Senseis who don't enforce discipline and defend weaker or smaller members.

Aikido is such a difficult art to learn that a lot of the also-rans drop away when they realise you really can't do a lot with it in under two years of study...

I'm always surprised at the number of graduates at Aikido events, the non-striking arts (or limited-striking in your case I'd guess), always seem to attract a deeper thinking membership.

 

[Kobushi]

We share our Dojo with a Ju-jitsu club, Goshin Ryu style, I like the art, but find the style of Aikido more suitable to my temperament.

I left Karate because of the bully-boy attitude of some of the newer recruits who thought it was enough to learn a Mawashi-geri and a spinning uraken and that gave them the right to beat the crap out of anyone in reach. A bully is a bully is a bully.

I blame weak Senseis who don't enforce discipline and defend weaker or smaller members.

Aikido is such a difficult art to learn that a lot of the also-rans drop away when they realise you really can't do a lot with it in under two years of study...

I'm always surprised at the number of graduates at Aikido events, the non-striking arts (or limited-striking in your case I'd guess), always seem to attract a deeper thinking membership.

There was a Goshin Ryu Brown Belt in my class. He was doing many similar arts. We adopted him as there was no sensei in the area and were able to prep him for Shodan. Of course, we added some of the healing as it was amiss.

I've always liked the Aikido attitude as it seems to parallel what we do. If I didn't have a DZR dojo around, I'd be most inclined to do Aikido.

 

[janey]

Anyway - to top things off, I have a 5 year old son who has just taken it up (no - I'm NOT a pushy dad, as he actually WANTED to go on his own accord!). So I'm really chuffed! It's great for him to learn how to fall properly, so he won't hurt himself snowboarding, etc...

My dad was pushy, because he was a huge martial arts freak (but I think his age is finally getting to him...). I went as far as like some belt color I don't remember in some form of Karate, did a bit of Hapkido, some other martial art I don't remember, and I got a first degree black belt in tae kwon do. And then high school came, and I quit. My dad's been trying to make me go back now that I have "more" time (I do?) and because he hates that I'm sitting on my ass all the time studying.

I hated it though. As for learning how to fall properly - like it did anything for me or my snowboarding or martial arts. Honestly, it didn't. I mean, I have so much fun boarding and stuff that I don't notice when I hurt myself - my mom usually has to be like "WHAT THE **** IS THAT BRUISE" when I come back home for me to notice it. And yes, I'm still pissed for waiting like 3 hours in the ER a couple years ago because i ****ed up my left arm while trying to do some weird kick.

The only time martial arts came in handy was when we were doing tae-bo in PE back in like 10th grade (PE teacher was an awesome nutcase that made us do yoga and stuff), and it came easily to me because it was familiar. Oh, and when I tried to beat the crap out of someone once. But that's a different story.

 

[muffinman]

Im a first degree black belt in techwondo. it was horrid. i kept on blacking out after the black belt test.

congrats on your black belt.

 

[FocusAndEarnIt]

I did tae kwon do for like a month. hated it. was so bad. waste of money on the uniform and classes

But for those who like it... ROCK ON! cuz do what u like to do! for me it's piano and computers. heh. I'm at both of them right now (partial recording)

 

[mms]

I am an ikkyu in Aoinagi Karate after six years of training, with just several months to go before I test for shodan. We don't do any physiology/anatomy (thankfully) but emphasize Kata and Kumite with little bits of philosophy and history thrown in.

 

[hal0n]

I studied karate when i was younger (12-ish) and I didn't really enjoy it and quit after about a year and a half. Almost a decade later I started taking gungfu. I have been training for about 5 years and about a year ago I got my black sash (in gungfu terminology, a belt is used to keep your pants up). The art that I study is considered internal with the majority of the teachings being daoist in nature (bad pun). This is all disguised under the most brutal of streetfighting and survival techniques.

We also study much of classical shaolin animal styles (mantis, snake, eagle, crane, tiger, monkey, dragon, etc), dim mak (the death touch, spirit control), chin na (joint locking and manipulation), chi sao (sticky hands, grappling), qi gung (aka chi kung or qi gung, energy work), iron body, a medicinal style that i have never seen the characters for so I can't romanize it, traditional and practical weapons (everything is a weapon), etc. This and more is all required for first degree black.

I, too, am required to have current CPR and first aid certifications and have had to submit written material for tests and also arbitrarily depending on circumstance, but then again.. I am an instructor level first degree.

Just this past year I lived in Taiwan (Republic of China, depending on who you ask) and had a chance to learn some tai chi and that was very interesting to me as well.

peace,
Sifu Kevin

ps - sorry about the inconsistant and incomplete romanization of the chinese characters, but what I have submitted is the most common english equivalant.

 

[efoto]

I studied Karate (in some form, forget which) from the ages of say 6-12. I had my first-degree black belt at 11, at which point I began co-instructing classes which pissed off all the 19 year old white/yellow belts The instructor always had my back for larger kids who acted up, but he let me lead class often because he said I had excellent technique, plus that way he could watch others and walk through to help out more.

I kept going for a while, forget exactly when or why I stopped, but it was right after a national tournament where our group did very well. I just fell away from it for some reason, and haven't pursued anything since. I want to get back into martial arts at some point, but it will have to be after Uni finishes up, I have no time right now