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Should children be given black belts?


What do you understand by a black belt? Is it just an achievement to flaunt and show all or tell that my child got a black belt or is it a symbol of sacrifice, training and some specific level of understanding, maturity and fluency in skill. 

Traditionally children were never given black belts. I think black belts were only given to those who were above 16 or 18 years of age and has the skill set to be awarded it. 

Nowadays in the age of commercialization where black belt gradings are charged anywhere between 20,000/- to 50,000/- and higher it is good money to confer black belts. Many organisations give junior black belts to kids below 16 or 18 and then after 16 or 18 they have to again pay and appear for an exam to be called a black belt. Why is this double examination needed? Money is important but there should be a line drawn somewhere. Parents also need to understand this and not pressurize or change classes just because their child is not getting belts or a black belt.

A belt is a symbol of progress, of growth and development. A ten year old can not stand to the strict requirements of the traditional ways. That doesn't mean a 10 year old is not training well or good in skill considering his or her age. There is a certain levels of maturity that needs to be there too. 

Martial arts training is a way of life, not a course to finish by receiving a black belt and then move onto something new to do. It needs a lifetime of devotion to grow, understand and become a martial artist. So don't rush through it just chasing belts. 

Some say belts are given to keep students motivated to train. I feel that can be true for the lower belts but once students cross green belt they need to be graded by strict parameters and standards. If by this time the student loses interest, we can have a discussion with them and let them give it a try again but belts shouldn't just be given so that a student continues training. Not everybody is meant to be a black belt, irrespective of age.

We have a student who is just 1 belt below black belt and she is at the same belt since 2 years. When I feel she is ready for the black belt grading, she will give the exam. Till then she is just training regularly without any new belts since 2 years. Improving herself and getting stronger. 

If belts are all that you seek then they can be easily bought from martial arts shops and maybe certification can be bought too. But if you wish to earn the belt with sweat, blood, bruises, sacrifices, dedication etc then just keep training and when you are ready, you shall be rewarded with the next belt. I am nobody to advocate or judge or tell what should be done by anyone or any organisation. But I can stand by what I feel is right, just and fair in the way I teach or confer belts. 

In the end the choice lies with the students or their parents. If belts matter or training. It is okay to choose whatever one seeks. One path just gets you the belt, the other backs the belt with equivalent level of training. 

Train like a warrior to be a warrior!!!!

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