The Responsibility of being a Black Belt Anybody who actually wants to be a Black Belt must surely not understand what it means to be one. It is a cause, a cross to bear, a responsibility, and an obligation. It is a banner that advertises that the wearer is committed to serving the needs of others. It is an invitation to deny ones own needs and step outside the self. It is a moral straight jacket that takes away our nonchalance and casts us in the role of teacher, protector, guide, and role model. It asks us to guard every word, and every action so that we do not betray its noble purpose. To become a black belt one must take up all it represents. Reject it and one must relegate ones self to the pitiful condition of those who gape in horror at the atrocities of society but do nothing. Becoming a black belt means never again being a casual observer when an intolerable situation exists. It means never again being silent when wrong is committed or people are being mislead. Psychologically, when you put on the belt you cannot take it off again and just be who you want to be when it is convenient. You must wear it every hour of every day for the rest of your life, and you must be who the belt demands that you must be. From the day you put it on nothing but truth must ever come from your lips, and nothing but honor and dignity must ever be manifest by your presence. From that day forward you must never dishonor another, and cannot shrink from your obligation to assist others in need. Unless a person has a back and legs strong enough to carry this burden they should not pick up the belt, but if you do pick up the belt do so with the knowledge that it will lead you to places where others rarely may go, and you will see vistas reserved for the few, and life will be an experience well above the ordinary. So why should I be considered for Black Belt? I can think of no logical reason why I should. The only thing I have is the desire to learn more. If I am promoted to Black Belt the rest of my life will be a struggle to live up to its expectations. But then the belt wont really be for me. It will be for those students who have yet to come in the door, and all those who are watching my progress, wondering if they can achieve it too. This was written by Varian Beverly several years ago before making my Black Belt, before Supreme Martial Arts Academy. I now challenge these ideals to all my current black belts and black belts to come. Read this passage carefully and understand what it means what it is to be a Black Belt. Shihan V.L. Beverly 7th dan Be Better, Be Your Best, Be Supreme...
Posted on: Sun, 01 Dec 2013 12:38:11 +0000
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