Your Journey To A Black Belt In Martial Arts: Top 10 Training Tips For Reaching Your Goal

The primary goal of any beginner or intermediate student of martial artist is usually to attain the coveted black belt. The black belt represents technical excellence, high ethical standards and the ability of a student to endure a strict and rigorous training regimen. To those in the know, people with black belts are seen as being more than just average practitioners. They are rightfully seen as being highly disciplined and skillful proponents of the art.

So what are the steps that any beginner can take now to ensure a successful path to black belt? This article lays out the top ten planning and training tips for becoming a black belt. If you read and follow these tips, you will significantly increase your chances of success in getting to the destination of Black Belt as a serious martial artist.

Tip #1: Define what the black belt means to you personally

There is an expression that goes if you don't know where youíre going, you will probably end up somewhere else. By defining what the black belt means, you now have specific reasons to become one. You must take full ownership of your chosen goal if you are to achieve it. Your instructor and fellow students will be more than happy to encourage you along the way but the responsibility of reaching your goal lies squarely on your shoulders.

Tip #2: Set a realistic period in which to reach your goal

It typically takes three to four years of regular training to attain the level of 1st degree black belt. If you say you are going to do it in one year then you are probably being overly ambitious. Likewise, if you set a timetable of eight years to reach the goal, then you are probably not stretching yourself enough. Find out what the minimum time is and what the average time is, and set your goal somewhere in between the two.

Tip #3: Break your overall goal down into smaller content chunks

A mile is a trial, but an inch is a cinch. You cannot possibly learn everything that you need in order to become a black belt at once, so it is very important that you break down the overall syllabus and content into smaller bite-sized chunks. Fortunately, this has been done for you already, as each belt level has specific required content. Get a copy of the grading syllabus and focus on what you need now instead of what you will need six months down the road.

Tip #4: Understand exactly what content you need to learn

You need to know exactly what is required of you at each level. Again, you should refer to the grading syllabus and any student resources that are available. Take note of what is taught in class, focus primarily on what is needed for your next belt, and not just on what is fun.

Knowing your required content is like having a detailed roadmap to your destination. If you know where you are going and you have the directions of how to get there, then you are more likely to arrive at your chosen destination on schedule.

Tip #5: Get to know the black belts in your club and ask them how they were successful.

Surround yourself with the winners is excellent advice. A black belt is somebody who has already achieved the goal that you are striving to reach. They obviously know what it takes to get to the destination otherwise; they would not be wearing the black belt. Do not be afraid to approach the black belts in your club and find out what it was like for them during their journey to black belt. They will more than likely have lots of great advice that will be very helpful and will be more than happy to share their own personal success stories as well as the challenges they faced on the journey.

Tip #6: Go to class on a regular basis

90% of success comes from just showing up. There are no short cuts. Consistent and persistent practice will lead to positive progress and growth. You must make your weekly karate classes a priority and a necessary discipline in your ultimate journey to becoming a black belt. Books and training videos can be great tools, but you cannot learn everything you need from a book or a DVD. You need a qualified instructor who can guide you along the way and who will give you appropriate feedback.

Tip #7: Practice at home

Repetition and practice are keys to success in anything you do, especially in karate. Going to class on a regular basis is essential, but practice at home is also highly recommended if you are to make it to black belt within your desired timeframe. Practicing at home allows you to work on the things that you know you need to practice more and gives you a chance to digest the content that is given to you each week in class.

Tip #8: Read books on karate and your style and do some research on the Internet

There is nothing wrong with going out and buying a good book on your chosen art or style or buying DVDs that detail different training methods. Research on the Internet is also a good idea. Your instructor should not be your only resource when it comes to your martial arts. You need to take full responsibility for your success and nowadays there are so many great resources out there that do not cost much and that offer very valuable tips and advice to improve your training. Take advantage of them as much as possible.

Tip #9: Find a training partner who shares the same goal and push each other to the next level

There is nothing more motivating than a bit of friendly competition. Try to find someone in your club who is at a similar level and ability and team up with them through your common goal of becoming black belts. Together you will be able to push each other through the tough times, celebrate with each other on each successful step forward, and keep each other focused on the result of your efforts.

Tip #10: Never give up on becoming a black belt

Martial arts success can be summed up in three words Begin and Continue. If you are vigorously implementing the previous nine tips then tip #10 should be a no-brainer. However when the inevitable doubts as to whether or not you will be successful in reaching your goal rear their ugly heads, just remind yourself of one immutable truth. Giving up on your goal guarantees failure. Persistence, on the other hand, will lead you to your desired result. If you are steadfast in the value of reaching your goal then giving up will never be a viable option.

These then, are the top ten tips for becoming a black belt. If you follow this advice and train hard then it is inevitable that you will attain the coveted black belt. There are no hidden secrets or special training methods just clear goals, consistent practice and hard work. In addition, one more thing ñ enjoy your journey on your way to success and the black belt, because if it is not fun and enjoyable to you, then none of the rest of this advice will fall into place.

Good luck and best wishes to you on your honorable and noble quest.

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Why Does It Take So Long To Earn A Martial Arts Black Belt ?

Many of you reading this article may already be well on your way to becoming a black belt in your chosen martial art. Some of you may just be starting out on your journey and others may have reached the coveted black belt and are now working towards higher degrees of the black belt.

How long were you told it should take you to get the black belt? Two years? Three years? Five? Ten? Why does it take so long to get a black belt? This article will help to answer your questions.

In general, it takes about 3 to 5 years to get your black belt in most legitimate martial arts. This timeframe can be shortened or lengthened based on several factors such as your commitment to your training, your overall technical ability, your ability to learn and digest new material, and other factors.

Is three to five years a long time? It depends on how you look at it. If you practice martial arts twice a week for one hour each session then in three years you will have only done 312 hours of martial arts practice. That does not sound like a lot of time spent on becoming a black belt over a three-year time span.
Looking at it differently if you practice martial arts twice a week for 1 hour each session then after four years you will have done 624 hours of martial arts practice ñ twice as much as the first example but only one more year of training. This kind of schedule seems to be more acceptable.

The next thing to consider is the curriculum specific to your style of martial arts. If we look at the art of Shotokan Karate as an example, by the time you are black belt you should have a high level of knowledge of about 20 to 25 major techniques that account for your basic punches, blocks, kicks and strikes, about 10 different forms (kata) and 5 major types of sparring drills. These include multiple set defenses that should be memorized and practiced until they become second nature.

These are just the main requirements for the black belt and this does not include some of the additional content that is practiced on the way to black belt. When you put this information into the context of the suggested timeframe above you can probably now see why getting a black belt takes a considerable commitment of time and effort.

Getting a black belt is not intended to be easy. The black belt is an esteemed symbol of a person's technical skill and martial arts knowledge and is something to be proud of achieving. Ultimately, the time it takes to get your black belt should not be your primary concern. Your focus should center on improving your martial arts skills and on improving yourself as a person. By doing this it will only be a matter of time before you reach your desired black belt goal and it will not matter to you whether it takes 3 years or 6 years. All that will matter is that you accomplished your goal!

Keep training and good luck on your quest for the black belt.

Good luck and best wishes on your journey in martial arts.

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Training with Martial Arts Weapons - Karate Kung Fu Weaponry

There are opportunities in martial arts training to learn to use various martial arts weapons.  Many martial arts schools, especially those that teach Japanese karate and Chinese kung fu styles have weaponry as part of their overall curriculum.  Popular weapons from karate systems include the bo staff, kama, sai, sword, nunchaku and tonfa.  Chinese kung fu styles have broadsword, 3 section staff, kwan do, whip chain, butterfly knives as well as their own versions of staff.  Of course, there are many other types of weapons in martial arts but the above are the more common ones taught.  Some of the more exotic weapons include the fan, rope dart and the hook swords.  Martial arts weapons can be divided into short and long range.  An example of a short range weapon would be a pair of sai.  The bo staff would be a long range weapon because of the longer reach.  Weapons can also be divided into bladed and non-bladed.  Kamas and swords of course would be bladed weapons where staffs and nunchakus would be non-bladed.  In most training situations with bladed weapons, the blades are not live.  That is, the blades of swords and kamas are blunt rather than sharp.  This adds to the safety aspect of martial arts weapons training.  Weapons can also come in different weights from heavy traditional models down to ultra light weight versions for forms competition.

Martial arts weapons are considered as extensions of a martial artistís own body.  For example, strikes with a weapon are really extended hand strikes.  Blocks with weapons are modeled after traditional martial art blocking techniques.  Therefore, it is important for martial arts students to be relatively proficient with martial arts techniques using their own bodies first before learning to use any martial arts weapon.  This will help the students understand the applications behind each weapons technique much better.  In most Japanese karate schools, weapons training wonít be offered until students reach an intermediate level such as green or blue belt.  There are martial arts that are strictly weapons oriented.  An example is Japanese kendo which is modeled after samarai sword fighting.  Philipino arnis is stick fighting which was developed in the South Pacific islands.

There are many benefits in training with martial arts weapons.  Because most weapons have some weight to them, their use will help develop muscle tone and strength.  Performing forms or katas with weapons will also develop coordination.  In todayís world, martial arts weapons may not be as practical as the days of the past when it was acceptable to carry weapons wherever one traveled.  However, with some understanding of weapons techniques, a martial artist today can turn almost any household item such as an umbrella, cane or even a set of keys into weapons of self defense if required.  Another important point that shouldnít be ignored is that most practitioners will claim that training with martial arts weapons is a lot of fun.

However, not all martial arts clubs and studios will teach weapons.  Many tae kwon do schools for example do not include weapons in their overall training.  This is not to say that Korean martial arts do not have weapons.  The Korean martial art kuk sool won features the staff, sword and cane.  So if a martial arts student wishes to learn the use of weapons, a school that includes them in their training should be sought after.  Another alternative for students who are otherwise happy with their martial arts club that doesnít have weapons training is to get supplementary private instruction from instructors who can provide it.

Weapons training can open up a whole new dimension to overall martial arts training.  Even advanced tai chi practitioners use swords in some of their forms.  It doesnít matter if sometimes the swords are made entirely of wood either since the actual weapons techniques will still be used in the forms.  For many martial arts competitors, weapons forms are their favorite divisions to compete in.  From a spectator point of view, weapons forms can be very exciting to watch especially when weapons such as whip chains or kamas with strings are used since their presentations are so dynamic and even somewhat dangerous to the user.   Such weapons have caused injuries to users when certain techniques were sloppy or mistimed.  But like other aspects of martial arts, proficiency with a martial art weapon after much hard training can bring a high sense of satisfaction to a martial artist.

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Developing An Effective Personal Training Plan For Martial Arts

If you are a member of any serious martial arts school with a reputable instructor then you will have no doubt heard in class the words Be sure to practice at home. Martial arts training goes beyond the dojo. Often, this advice is given without any suggestions or tips on how to actually do this. How do you practice at home? How do you develop an effective training plan? How often should you practice?

If you have been practicing martial arts for one year or more then you have probably made it to the intermediate ranks of your style. You are probably going to class twice a week and ideally you are also practicing at home. Here are some tips to help you develop a plan to fit into your schedule and reach your goals. A Martial Arts Training Log may also help keep you on track with your schedule.

- Find out when your next rank promotion test will be held and what material will be tested. This is a simple task. Just ask your instructor and get a copy of the school's grading syllabus and write the date of your next test in your schedule.

- Decide how many times a week you intend to go to class. To be successful in any martial art you should go to class at least twice a week. Avoid going four or five times a week because this will lead to burnout. Your classes are the place to learn your material, check that you are doing things right, and to find good training partners with similar goals - not the place to escape the realities and responsibilities of life.

- Set realistic time blocks at home for additional practice. I recommend short, focused sessions two or three times a week instead of long daily sessions leading to burnout, fatigue and excess stress. A balanced training program will include two sessions a week in class of about 1 hour each plus three 30 - 45 minute sessions at home three times a week.

- Set yourself up for success by practicing at home at a time that is both quiet and uninterrupted.  Consider this your me time and make sure that you are only focussing on yourself and not anyone else.

- Don't practice the same things in every session. Decide in advance what you like most about your training and what feels like hard work and not much fun. Begin your training session with something fun and upbeat to give you energy, then take on the challenge of the task or drill that you least enjoy or are having the most problems with; and then finish your session by rewarding yourself with the opportunity to practice the aspects of karate that you most enjoy and are best at. This way you start and finish on a high but still manage to practice the more difficult things too.

- Be consistent in your training. Set a schedule and stick with it. If something comes up and forces you to cancel, be sure to give yourself the same respect you would offer to anybody else with whom you had an appointment, and reschedule your training session. The moment you start accepting your own lame excuses to not practice at home will be the beginning of the end of your successful journey to the black belt, and the true mastery of your style.

These tips should help you to be successful in your chosen martial art and the bottom line is this.... The real secret to developing an effective personal training plan is to simply take the time to make a plan and then to stick with it.

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Practicing Martial Arts As A Family

If you are like any good parent you no doubt enjoy spending time with your kids and sharing some quality activities with them. This may include kicking a soccer ball around the back yard, going to the local park for some pitching practice, or putting some cool music on in your front room and trying out your new hip-hop groove. However, how many actual opportunities are there for families to participate together in the same class doing something that is beneficial to all involved? The martial arts offer one such opportunity.

There is a phrase used in the martial arts industry and it says that, A family that kicks together, sticks together. This saying may sound a little cheesy, but more and more families are discovering the immeasurable benefits of sharing a common bond and a common activity between parents and children. So how exactly does martial arts practice provide these benefits?

Martial Arts is a challenging activity regardless of age. It offers a great workout, useful and practical self-defense skills, progressive content that is structured according to ability and a spiritual and philosophical side that can provide many other worthwhile benefits. Let's look at each of these things.

* Great workout

Martial Arts practice is an excellent workout. Within any lesson plan martial artists use multiple muscle groups and body parts in many different ways through the warm-up and warm-down activities and the various technique drills and partner work drills. It also gets your heart pumping which leads to increased cardio-vascular strength.

* Useful and practical self-defense skills

Self-defense is an integral part of the martial arts. Different martial arts will place a different level of emphasis on self-defense depending on the type of program they are offering but you can be sure that during your study you will learn some useful and practical skills that will be relevant to your age and ability.

* Progressive content

This is a very important aspect of martial arts training because as you improve in ability and experience you will constantly be exposed to the next level of content. This will ensure that there is always something new to learn and always something different to practice. This progressive content is introduced systematically so as not to overwhelm beginning students and also in order to continually challenge intermediate and advanced students.

* Spirituality and Philosophy

There is some very valuable philosophy in the martial arts that is beneficial to both children and adults and the opportunity to study this as a family can lead to some very worthwhile and interesting discussions at the dinner table.

Each of these different aspects have relevance to all ages, and consequently parents and children are finding that the martial arts offer a very enjoyable and challenging family activity to all who participate. There is nothing like having a training partner to encourage you along the way and with Mom, Dad, Brother and Sister all training together, each individual will be able to bring different views of the same activity to the overall experience, which can only lead to better communication and understanding between family members.

Like anything else doing martial arts as a family will not be without its challenges, but in general there are only good things to say about the benefits of going to your local martial arts school and starting a journey as a family to improved health and fitness and fun times for all.

Good luck and best wishes on your journey in martial arts.

Looking for some unique custom martial arts gifts for your martial artist? Martial Arts Gifts by Lora Severson Photogrpahy has a great selection of customizable t-shirts, ornaments, cards and gifts for a belt rank promotion test, black belt test, birthday or holiday. Suitable for all martial arts including karate, taekwondo, kung fu, judo or ju jitsu. All belt rank colors are represented.

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