How long does it take to earn a black belt? To answer this question we have to consider three variables:
- Age
- Class Attendance
- Practice Time
Age: In our school a person below 18 years old will not earn a full black belt. We award junior black belts to exceptional youth student’s between 13 and 17 years of age. In the 7 years I have been at GHKA we have awarded only one of those.
The adult martial arts program is set up for a true beginner ages 13 and up to earn a black belt in 3-4 years provided their attendance and practice time are consistent.
Attendance: It is hard to learn and progress without attending martial arts classes regularly. Just getting in the door every week helps students get closer to their black belt. Inconsistent attendance will not only slow progress, it will almost always lead to failure. I recommend that all students attend (at the absolute minimum) attend 2 hours/week of class.
Practice Time: They 3 secrets to mastering martial arts are practice, practice, practice. All students need to train on their own at least 1 time/week in addition to their regular class attendance. More practice is great, but practice time cannot replace class hours. Students who attend classes but do not practice on their own will only go so far. Students who practice on their own but don’t attend class will progress slowly.
There is nothing mystical about achieving skill in the martial arts, it takes work. Students must attend classes and practice on their own. That is what it takes. Anyone who thinks they can become skilled in any other way is simply wrong.
