The Attitude Behind the Belt

News For Students and Parents Enrolled In Frankfort Black Belt Academy June 2012 Issue The Attitude Behind the Belt The black belt is an award or honor given to the modern knight or samurai who has sacrificed many hours in disciplining and honing his body and mind to achieve the epitome of physical and mental attainment. The black belt is the symbol of an expert. (Master Hidetaka Nishiyama) There is a parable shared about a martial artist who kneels before a master sensei in a ceremony to receive the hard-earned Black Belt. After years of relentless training, the student has finally reached a pinnacle of achievement in the discipline. "Before granting the belt, you must pass one more test," the sensei solemnly tells the young man. "I'm ready," responds the student, expecting perhaps one more round of sparring. "You must answer the essential question: What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?" "Why, the end of my journey," says the student. "A well-deserved reward for my hard work." The master waits for more. Clearly, he is not satisfied. The sensei finally speaks: "You are not ready for the Black Belt. Return in one year." As the student kneels before his master a year later, he is again asked the question, "What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?" "It is a symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our art," the young man responds. Again the master waits for more. Still unsatisfied, he says once more: "You are not ready for the Black Belt. Return in one year." A year later the student kneels before his sensei and hears the question, "What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?" This time he answers, "The Black Belt represents not the end, but the beginning, the start of a neverending journey of discipline, work and the pursuit of an ever higher standard." "Yes," says the master. "You are now ready to receive the Black Belt and begin your work." This parable reminds s of the journey we have walked through and the lessons we have faced. We remember the many belt ceremonies and the challenge of starting a whole knew set of moves. Now that summer is upon us and along our vacation planning and the childcare juggle, let s re-visit the journey you ve started so far. We have a question for you Do you think the colored belt system of promotion is relevant to your training? We believe it is. We recently read through a few martial art blogs and ran into a discussion about the belt promotion practice in martial arts. What we gathered from Budo Seek Forum is that testing and being promoted to another belt is an opportunity to: Demonstrate your skill, good work ethic, attitude, focus and readiness for a new rank. Set clear expectations Provide a visible progress report to stay motivated. Communicate between you and teacher. Let us explore the: The Reason for the Belt. Master Kikoen & Ms Hoogheem Owners & Certified Instructors IN THIS ISSUE: Feature Article: The Reason For The Belt Attitudes Behind Each Belt June 2012 Student of the Month: Jack Hughes! Calendar of Events Announcements Welcome to the Family! New students and upgrading members! Student Birthdays Martial Arts Mania! Free Trial Offer Through The Ranks is published monthly by: Frankfort Black Belt Academy 10850 W. Laraway Rd. Frankfort, IL 60423 For a complimentary subscription, please call (708) 288-2033 All content copyright 2011, Through The Ranks. No duplication without prior written consent. All rights reserved. Page 1

The raison d etre of the colored belt system is after all to give people shortterm goals. Let s be clear about this. It s the middle of the year and we want you to stop and see if you re on your way to meeting those short-term goals. In weekly training, you ought to be serious, focused and hard working. You are training hard with your short-term goals in mind. Quality is more important than quantity and if you excel in the little things that you do, you will eventually excel in general and learn more than you ever hoped for. We have had many students quit when they felt that we hadn t taught them anything lately. The reason those students do not succeed is their poor attitude. Often, students let their sense of pride interfere with their martial arts training. These students compare themselves to the so-called gifted students or naturals and complain. What you don t see is that those gifted students are often those that come early and leave late. They warm up properly and after training, they cool down and stretch, while theirs friends talk. Advancing in your short-term goals depends on personal advancement inside of this academy and growth outside of the academy. A Brief History of the Martial Arts Belt Systems The martial arts colored belt ranking system was originated by Dr. Jigoro Kano, known as the "Founder of Modern Judo", who first devised many of the concepts that are the foundation of modern martial arts. Dr. Kano devised the colored belt system as a visible sign of a student s progress, awarding the first black belts in the 1880's. Dr. Kano invented the colored belt system when he awarded "Shodan" to two of his senior students (Saito and Tomita) in 1883. Even then, there was no external differentiation between Yudansha (Dan ranks) and Mudansha (those who hadn't yet attained Dan ranking). Kano apparently began the custom of having his Yudansha wear black obis in 1886. In 1907, Kano introduced the modern gi and its modern obi, but he still only used white and black. Originally, the white belt was simply dyed to a new color. This repeated dying process dictated the type of belt color and the order of the colors. The standard belt color system is white, yellow, gold, orange, green, blue, purple, brown, red and black. Due to the dying process, it was only practical to increasingly use darker colors. All of this came about shortly after the Second World War, when Korea and Japan were very poor countries. Dying the belts to a new color was a cheap way to have a visible, simple and effective ranking system. Today the most common grading system, using colored belts, is called the Dankyu system. Colored grades outside of Japan are normally in an ascending order. From white to red is called the Kyu levels. Once the black belt is achieved, then the Dan levels begin. Each belt color has a meaning symbolizing advancement, increased awareness and individual personal growth. To repeat ourselves, advancement means not only growth within the academy, but that of positive character and growth outside of the academy as well. The order of belt colors in martial arts varies somewhat by the style of martial arts and the particular school, but the progression typically follows a predictable pattern. Lighter-colored belts are generally worn by beginning students and darker belts signify more experienced practitioners. Beginning Students: White Belt: Represents the beginning of a new journey. The student has no previous experience in martial arts. The white belt can show the purity and birth of the student, symbolizing the seed just planted into the soil and ready to absorb all nutrients from the soil. Characteristics: Open-minded, respectful, attentive, eager to learn. Yellow Belt: Represents the ray of sunshine filled with energy to learn knowledge and open his mind from an instructor. Characteristics: Cooperative, Helpful, and Developing Teamwork skills. Orange Belt: Signifies the changes of autumn, as the student's mind and body begin to develop and grow as a result of their martial arts experience. Characteristics: Awareness of how their body feels and how it connects to their open-mind. Intermediate Students Green Belt Represents growth, like a plant sprouting out of the ground. The student has built a firm foundation and now begins to grow in the art of his martial art. Characteristics: Perseverance, Leadership, Setting a Good Example, Taking Responsibility in the school. Blue Belt: Symbolizes the determination of the plant to reach the sky and then the heavens, getting even closer to the sun. Characteristics: Self-Discipline, Developing the Whole Person, Applying Martial Arts Lessons to All Areas of Life. Purple Belt: Represents the changing sky of dawn, as once again the student undergoes a new change and prepares for the transition to advanced student. Characteristics: Increased understanding of the meaning of the black belt. Advanced Students Brown Belt: Represents the ripening or maturing process as that of the advanced student whose techniques are beginning to mature. Characteristics: Patience and sustained focus. Red Belt: Represents more detailed knowledge. Since the student has now learned numerous skills and their actions can seriously hurt someone if they use their skills foolishly. The plant is now able to see the sun, but is not yet able to reach it. Characteristics: Mentoring, Problem Solving, Creating Strong Community, Bringing out Strengths in Others. Deputy Belt: Represents how close the student is to attaining their black belt. By now the student has learned most of the knowledge and history, but there is still more room for progress. The student should know everything they have learned since their first day as a white belt. The deputy belt symbolizes that the plant is now so close it can almost touch the now Page 2

setting sun. Characteristics: Communication, Knowledge, Accepting Leadership Roles, and Expressing Appreciation. Black Belt: The opposite of white, signifies maturity and dignity, as that of a senior student who has learned the basic curriculum and is ready to become a true student of his chosen martial art, then the honorable student will understand that it means only that and that he/she is now considered as simply ready to improve and perfect their skills. And as he begins to teach others, he plants new seeds and helps them grow and mature. Characteristics: Courageous, Leadership and Learner. Achieving a black belt A common error is the "black belt as master" stereotype. In reality, a black belt indicates the wearer is competent in a style's basic technique. It is a beginning, a doorway to advanced learning. That frame of mind is useful up to a point, but once black belt level is reached an attitude adjustment usually becomes necessary. In all, there are ten Dan levels of black belt. The journey towards gaining a Black Belt is a long and arduous undertaking, and every individual. To achieve this level, a student is closely watched during their performance of patterns, the examiner can judge not only a student s physical ability to execute techniques, but also their knowledge of the art form. Then the student is required to spar in a predetermined number of rounds. He/She must demonstrate the correct technique to break the board. Students testing for Black Belt must demonstrate an understanding of their art in a prearranged self-defense scenario and finally, on grading day, the student is expected to answer knowledge questions and have an understanding of all aspects of previous grading theory. With so many eyes scrutinizing every aspect of a students technique, one can imagine the preparation that goes into perfection of oneself as a martial artist. Knighthood : Samurai In English history, a man of valor and dignity who excelled in the arts of combat and social amenities was rewarded with the title of Knighthood, a designation that let others know he was a man not only of honor, but also of great fighting ability. In Japan this honor was given to a Samurai. In feudal times, it was a necessary product of the social conditions, and although this social order does not exist today, yet the desire for a person to excel in a martial art, for discipline, honor and self-defense, still exists. Today you may strive to become a "Black Belt" at our academy so you can learn to fight. But as your training progresses become aware of a stronger calling, the molding of yourself into a better person, not only in fighting, but also in dignity and honor. This has traditionally been the goal of the martial arts student. The black belt is an award or honor given to the modern knight or samurai who has sacrificed many hours in disciplining and honing his body and mind to achieve the epitome of physical and mental attainment. The black belt is the symbol of an expert with an adjusted attitude. Are you ready for your colorful adventure throughout your martial arts training? Keep that in mind through your summer plans. We ll be here to honor your growth, inside and outside of our academy! -- Master Kikoen & Ms. Hoogheem Welcome to the Family: New Students and Upgrades New Students: Emily Kuse Junior Class Liam Brya Tiny Tiger Class Upgrading Students: Denny Wierzal Black Belt Club Roby Wierzal Black Belt Club Taylor Schlinger Black Belt Club David Baer Black Belt Club Sean Spicer Leadership Brian Truesdale Leadership Dawn Layman Leadership Students Eligible to Upgrade: Emily Kuse Justin Danielson Black Belt Club Black Belt Club For those just enrolling welcome to the family! For those upgrading congratulations on taking the next step in your martial arts journey! And for those who are eligible to upgrade what are you waiting for? See us to take your training to the next level! Page 3

June 2012 Calendar of Special Events Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Sparring Week 10 11 12 Board Breaking Week 13 Black Belt class 14 15 16 No Private Lessons SJB Clinic 10:00 11:30 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Dad s class 11:45 Sparring Week 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Board Breaking Week Leadership class Announcements Please Read! MOCK TESTING TUESDAY JULY 10 TH DURING CLASS TIME CLOSED ON WEDNESDAY JULY 4 TH!! TESTING WILL BE THURSDAY JULY 19 TH FOR TINY TIGERS, JUNIORS & ADULTS WHITE THRU BLUE BELTS TESTING WILL BE FRIDAY JULY 20 TH FOR JUNIORS & ADULTS BROWN BELTS AND ABOVE THE NEXT TOURNAMENT IS Saturday July 28 th in BLOOMINGTON, IL ASK MASTER KIKOEN OR MS HOOGHEEM ABOUT THE NEW NOVICE DIVISION FOR THE NEW TOURNAMENT YEAR THERE WILL BE AN FBBA TOURNAMENT MEETING FOR ON SATURDAY JULY 21 ST AT 11:00 AM Page 4

Parents-Only Special for June & July 2012! Eight Weeks of Martial Arts for $99 With a FREE Uniform & 1 st Testing!! You ve supported your kids in martial arts for a long time. We know you ve secretly thought to yourself I wish I could get out there and do that. We ve always respected martial arts. Well, guess what? This is your chance: try martial arts for four weeks for just $49! If you want to get in shape, nothing does a better job than martial arts. It doesn t take long to see results. In just 30 days, you re going to... Rev up your metabolism Gain strength and pack on muscle Watch your blood pressure drop Torch fat and slim down Sculpt your midsection Dodge diabetes and heal your heart Strip away stress and balance your life Burn calories and get back in shape Finally, you re going to look better than ever and start adding years to your life. And all it takes is 30 days to get the ball rolling! We don t care if you re 25, 45 or 75 years old. Age does NOT matter. And don t worry about a uniform at this point. Any old workout clothes will do. The only condition is that you must be a parent of a student currently enrolled here. So step up and join our elite group of warriors and start martial arts. Here s How to Get Started: It s easy to get going. All you have to do is see us and say I want to do the try martial arts on your four week special. We ll give you a schedule and answer any questions you might have. In just 30 days, we ll show you how to move like a martial artist! You d be amazed at the results we ve delivered in the past. It all starts NOW. Just $49. Page 5

Jack Hughes! Has a Black Belt Attitude! When it comes to a Black Belt Attitude, look no further than our Student of the Month for June 2012, Jack Hughes. Jack is currently a Brown belt at our academy and started back in December 2009. He has grown and demonstrated improved attitude, which we have seen in his performance. Here are some more reasons we chose Jack for Student of the Month and how he stands out when it comes to demonstrating a Black Belt Attitude : 1.) Jack works very hard during class and practices his new form so he can be ready for testing in July. 2.) Jack loves competing at tournaments also striving to be the best. 3.) Jack is very polite and demonstrates respect for his fellow students and his instructors. Here are some other interesting facts about Jack that you might not know: a.) Jack is 6 yrs old and attends Grand Prairie School, finishing up 1 st grade. b.)jack lives with his mom and dad and sister Lauren. Also Jack has 7 tropical fish as his pets. c.) When Jack is not practicing TKD he enjoys riding his bicycle, fishing and swimming on the beach. d.) Jack s other hobbies include playing guitar and baseball. JACK HUGHES June 2012 Student of the Month Let s all congratulate Jack Hughes on being chosen as Student of the Month for June 2012 he s a great example of how martial arts helps you be disciplined in everything you do! Great job, Jack! Student Birthdays Here at FBBA Jacob Flesch 6-03 Analisa Nolan 6-10 Mikey DiStefano 6-21 Emily Kuse 6-28 A big happy birthday to all of you! Page 6

Student Name According to the main article: QUESTION #1: The belt rank symbolizes the Students personal achievement a.) inside the academy only. b.) inside the academy and in his classroom. c.) inside and outside the academy. d.)...outside the academy only. QUESTION #2: Beginning Students, usually, follow this belt-color progression: a.) white, yellow then orange. b.) white, orange then yellow. c.) white, yellow then green. d.) white, yellow then blue. QUESTION #3: Intermediate students, usually, follow this belt-color progression: a.) b.) Green, blue then purple. Yellow, green then blue. c.) Green, purple then brown. d.) Green, yellow then orange. QUESTION #4: Advanced Students, usually, follow this beltcolor progression: a.) Purple, blue then red. b.) Brown, red then purple. c.) Brown, purple then red. d.) Brown, red then black. QUESTION #5: What is the error about achieving a black belt? a.) b.) c.) d.) The "black belt as master" stereotype. Reaching the end of your martial arts training when you you are awarded a black belt. That you can boast and push others around. All of the above. Don t forget! Any student who answers all the questions correctly (without help from an adult) wins a $5 Karate Dollar towards their next testing, something from the pro shop or tuition! (Note: one Karate dollar per purchase, please). Three Easy Ways to Win 50% off a Month of Tuition! Want to win a ½ off a month of tuition? Then read on. Because there are now THREE easy ways you can WIN a ½ off a month and they only take a couple minutes. Here they are: Method #1: Write a Review! First, go to Google Local, Yahoo Local or other local review site and review our academy. Other people will see your review and when they do it could influence or motivate them to join up! For every person who mentions that they were motivated to join because of YOUR review (and this happens all the time) you ll get a ½ off a month of tuition. Takes only five minutes or so, we d really appreciate it AND you may win a ½ off a month of tuition. That s the first way. Method #2: Link to Our Website! Link to our academy on your public Facebook page, personal website, company website, blog or other permanent presence on the web. (See us for quick and easy instructions). This boosts our rank in Google, Bing and Yahoo. It also helps a person searching for martial arts in our area. So for every person who signs up because they saw your link, you get ½ off a month of tuition. Play your cards right on this one and you could have dozens of signups by the end of the year! Easy. Finally Method #3: Refer Your Friends How? Hand this newsletter to friends and relatives. You get a ½ off a month for every person who asks about classes and signs up as a direct result of your referral. Nothing could be easier. All you have to do is tell them to see us or call us at (708) 288-2033 and we ll set a time for a free intro class. We promise: we ll take the very best care of any friends or family that you refer our way! For more information about any of these three options in our new referral reward program, see us. It s a great program where, as our way of saying thanks we give you a ½ off a month of tuition as a token of our appreciation for recommending us! Page 7

June & July 2012 Special Offer Just for Parents Here at Our Academy! Parents-Only Special: 8 Weeks of Martial Arts for $99 Includes FREE Uniform & 1 st Testing!! You ve supported them. You ve coached them. You ve driven them to classes. You ve taken them to tournaments. Now it s YOUR turn to join your kids out on the floor and try martial arts yourself! The benefits you ll get are endless: Build your strength. Improve your cardio fitness. Lose weight. Take your fitness to a new level. Discover self-defense secrets. Free yourself from daily stress. Make new friends. And finally, share an activity with your child that will make them proud of YOU! Join our elite club of parents who are all kicking together and sticking together for just $99 for eight weeks with a FREE Uniform & 1 st Testing Paid For!! See us now to get all the details! Besides enrolling your child here, it ll be the best decision you ve ever made! June & July 2012 Special Offer Just for Parents Here at Our Academy! Frankfort Martial Arts 10850 W. Laraway Road Frankfort, IL 60423 (708) 288-2033 www.karatefrankfort.com Page 8