Flying Crane
Sr. Grandmaster
On numerous occasions, I have heard people claim that training up to First Degree Black Belt is just the basics, and the "good stuff" really comes after that. How do you all feel about this kind of statement? Do you think it is true? For those of you who hold higher rank, is this an accurate statement, based on your experiences? For those of you who practice an art that does not use a ranking system, then maybe the equivalent could be training for over 7 years or so, or some other benchmark that would be roughly equivalent, you decide for yourself if you fit this category.
Personally, I am not sure I buy it.
To me, earning a first degree black belt is proving your dedication to your training, as well as proving that you have developed some reasonably reliable skills and knowledge in your art. It certainly does not mean that you know it all, or have a perfect and complete understanding of what you have learned, but maybe we never really do anyway, regardless of rank. This basis of knowledge and skill puts you in a position to really begin to grow and develop more fully as a martial artists, and better understand what you have been training. Of course there is always more to learn and room to grow, no matter what level one reaches. As your experience grows, your capacity to understand what you are doing also increases.
But do instructors really hold back "secret techniques" or special knowlege that is only given to those who have already earned at least first degree?
I have heard some very senior people in the martial arts state that there are no secret techniques. It is only basics that are thoroughly understood and applied well. I am more inclined to believe this, then believe that I am missing some "secret teachings" if I don't achieve a high rank from a particular instructor.
Personally, I am not sure I buy it.
To me, earning a first degree black belt is proving your dedication to your training, as well as proving that you have developed some reasonably reliable skills and knowledge in your art. It certainly does not mean that you know it all, or have a perfect and complete understanding of what you have learned, but maybe we never really do anyway, regardless of rank. This basis of knowledge and skill puts you in a position to really begin to grow and develop more fully as a martial artists, and better understand what you have been training. Of course there is always more to learn and room to grow, no matter what level one reaches. As your experience grows, your capacity to understand what you are doing also increases.
But do instructors really hold back "secret techniques" or special knowlege that is only given to those who have already earned at least first degree?
I have heard some very senior people in the martial arts state that there are no secret techniques. It is only basics that are thoroughly understood and applied well. I am more inclined to believe this, then believe that I am missing some "secret teachings" if I don't achieve a high rank from a particular instructor.