After over ten years as a black belt I have made a decision. I have decided to retire my black belt and my traditional uniforms.
As of today (June 15th, 2010) I will no longer wear a black belt during classes, belt tests or any other event. I will also cease to wear traditional martial arts uniforms. There are four main reasons that I have made this choice:
1. The practical application of a traditional karate belt or kung fu sash is absent. The belt serves as a symbolic decoration rather than a functional necessity. In some instances belts can interfere with movement training. Belts can get in the way of arm movements and get caught up during weapons practice. Another practical reason for me to hang up my belt is that my job requires me to be a personal trainer, one-on-one martial arts coach and a fitness class leader. If I had to wear a uniform every time I taught a martial arts lesson and then wear workout apparel for private coaching and fitness training, I would changing clothes 3-5 times a day! Workout apparel is a more functional type of attire for my daily activities.
2. The politics of martial arts relates almost entirely to ranking systems and the requirements for black belt competency. Many people in the martial arts take issue with each other over the method and manner of black belt certification. I have been involved in these kinds of politics for long enough to know that my black belt is as much a source of political criticism as it is a symbol of achievement. As a professional instructor I want to focus my energy on my students and refine my art in ways that will benefit them, not develop it according to the political will of other instructors who are not affiliated with my school or my programs.
3. Bruce Lee did not believe in belts or belt systems, nor did he wear traditional uniforms. He thought that belt systems were a distraction from training and created barriers to training. I have to agree with him to a point. I do think belt systems are effective for youth students.
4. As a martial artist my goal is life-long mental and physical health through habitual martial arts training and safe, effective exercise. My long term goals also include personal development, professional development and financial success. I have never trained in martial arts to achieve rank.
Having said all of this, I must now explain how it will affect my students.
- For my youth students (ages 4-12 years) the belt system and uniform requirements will be unchanged. Any youth student who joins the adult program at age 13+ will be able to continue wearing their uniform and belt or to put them aside.
- For all adult students, you will have the option to wear a belt or not. You may also wear workout apparel that is consistent with the school dress code (which can be found in the parent manual on this website). All rank certificates will still be awarded according to the existing curriculum structure. I will award belts to all adult students at their promotions, and each student can choose to either wear their belt or display it at home.
