Fierce Tiger Martial Arts Association Budokai - Okinawan Goju Ryu
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  • Student Curriculum and Instruction
    • Grading Criteria for Advancement
    • Rules for advancement
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    • Opening and Closing Ceremonies
    • General Terms
    • Counting In Japanese
    • Hojo Undo - Supplementary exercises
    • Tachi Waza - Standing Techniques (Stances)
    • Te Waza - Hand Techniques
    • Ate Waza - Striking Techniques
    • Uke Waza - Blocking Techniques
    • Geri Waza - Kicking Techniques
    • Ukemi Waza - Break Falls
    • Understanding Karate and the Relationship between Kihon, Kata and Kumite
    • Belt System
    • An Introduction to Kumite (Sparing or Fighting)
    • An Introduction to Kata's
    • White Belt - 10th to 8th Kyu: Introduction (Beginner age 13 & up) >
      • Gekisai-Ichi
      • Gekisai-Ni
    • Yellow / Green Strip - 9th to 8th Kyu Introduction (beginner - children to age 12)
    • Green Belt - 7th to 5th Jyu: Introduction >
      • Sanchin
      • Tensho
    • Purple Belt - 4th to 3rd Kyu: Introduction >
      • The Magic is in the First Few Punches
      • Saifa
    • Brown Belt - 2nd to 1st Kyu: Introduction >
      • Introduction to Seiyunchin Kata
      • Seiyunchin
      • Advanced Kumite Techniques
      • Preparing for your Black Belt
      • Introduction to Shisochin Kata
    • A Black Belt is always a Black Belt >
      • How to make the Most Out of Class
      • Seisan
      • Sanseru
      • Sepai
      • Shisochin
      • Suparinpei
      • Kururunfa
  • Testimonials
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A Black Belt is Always a Black Belt

Karate goes well beyond preparing us for the unlikely meeting with an aggressive attacker. If it did not go beyond, you will have wasted your time and money training for years without ever needing your skills. Karate aims to equip us with the values and life-skills necessary to be a success in all areas of our life. Therefore, as a black belt, from time to time it’s important to stop and ask yourself, “Am I a full time Black belt?” What this means is, do you demonstrate the values and skills your practice in the dojo in every other area of your life.
For example, how can someone classify themselves as a Black belt when they are respectful and humble in the dojo, but rude and arrogant outside the dojo?

Or why does someone classify themselves as a Black belt when they are disciplined in the dojo yet undisciplined in their home, school or work life?

How can someone classify themselves as a great Black belt when they are working hard to be the best karate-ka they can be inside the dojo, but at home they are a lousy partner/husband/spouse?

A true black belt understands that their attitudes in the dojo (for example, their attention to detail) should also apply to their people skills, school work, career, being a partner or spouse, being a son or daughter, being a father or mother, etc. Always remember the dojo is an environment where we can learn to become our very best selves. A true martial artist then takes this and allows it to permeate into their outside life. 

A true black belt:

  • Is disciplined both in and out of the dojo
  • Is courteous and respectful both in and out of the dojo
  • Places humility over ego both in and out of the dojo
  • Believes that effort and focus will overcome any challenge; both in and out of the dojo
  • Is self-confident without being arrogant both in and out of the dojo
In the dojo, a Black belt understands they are not a master. They are not afraid to ask for help, nor do they refuse feedback from others. Once they step outside the dojo however, they may still feel being a Black belt means they are too proud to ask for help or accept feedback. Likewise a true black belt’s quiet self-confidence and humility allows them to behave and act without fearing what others will think of them.

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