Becoming a Black Belt

This weekend is black belt testing! Students across the state of Colorado as well as from Mueller’s Martial Arts will be testing for their black belts! It’s an exciting experience that is the culmination of all the hard work they have put in since starting at a white belt. In order to earn that belt though, they have to go through a great deal of challenges which pushes their limits. 

In order to become a black belt, students obviously have to earn all of their previous belts. They had to start as a white belt, show up to class, and achieve each belt along the way. Because of this, they are required to know each belt’s meaning for their black belt testing. Each belt has a word and definition associated with it that they have to memorize and be able to recite upon command.

Speaking of definitions, testers also have to memorize the meanings of over forty Korean words. These are words like front kick, punch, attention, and spar. Like the belt meanings, they have to be able to recite the meaning of the words on command. Memorizing these words is an important nod to the foundations and beginnings of taekwondo.

That’s not the only way they show respect to the beginnings. They have to write an essay about the history of taekwondo or the history of the Korean flag. It’s not just about writing though. Students also have to prepare a speech about what getting their black belt means to them or thanking the people that have got them there. They have to present their speech in front of lower ranks to inspire them to also become black belts. 

Because taekwondo is a fitness-based sport, testers have to complete what is called a tough test. They have to do as many jumping jacks, pushups, sit ups, and burpees as they can for a minute. They also have to run a mile as fast as they can. Their scores are tallied together and have to be high enough to pass their fit test. It’s both a mental and physical challenge.

Perhaps the most important and most difficult part of black belt testing is the memorization and performance of the forms. Students have six forms they have to memorize and perform to perfection. It may seem like a simple task, but hundreds of moves with perfect stances and techniques is a true test of a black belt. One mistake and they fail their all or nothing testing. 

All or nothing testing is their final test before black belt testing. They have to be able to do everything- recite the definitions, show their perfect forms, and show that they have the mental and physical strength to become a black belt. One mistake and they fail, having to try again the next night. 

Getting your black belt is one of the hardest feats you may ever accomplish in your life. But doing so will teach you that with hard work and dedication you can do anything. When you tie that belt around your waist, no one will ever be able to take it away from you. You will always be able to say, “I’m a black belt.”

Black belt testing is this Saturday, September 14th at the Venture Martial Arts school in the Flatirons Mall. Come support our students in achieving this dream!