A Black belt is, above all, a symbol of years of hard work, dedication and committment, and will always remain as one of the achievements of a lifetime.
Pre-Black Colored belts, particularly for younger students in the early stages, are belts earned primarily for effort. Later, as a student progesses toward the Advanced levels, the focus becomes more toward competence, ability, and the understanding and embracement of what is expected both mentally and physically. More than anything else, earning a Black belt isn't about doing things because one has to, rather, it's about doing things because one wants to.
The desire to attain a greater understanding and depth of knowledge in the martial arts, along with an attitude of gratitude, dedication, and a desire for an additional level of responsibilty, is a prerequisite for advancement to Black belt rank. Moreover a Black belt in martial arts represents a beginning rather then an end. It is a foundation from which to build upon in what is for some, a lifetime of study.
