Thousands of hours training,
Hundreds of classes,
Countless bumps and bruises,
One Black Belt!

Being a black belt is a cause, a cross to bear, a responsibility, and an obligation. It is a banner that advertises that the wearer has worked hard at developing skills that are unique and that they are committed to important principles.

Being a black belt is an invitation to deny one's own needs and step outside one's self. It 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.

Being a black belt means that when you put on the belt you cannot take it off again and just be who you want to be when it's 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.

Being a black belt means that from the day that you first wear it 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 cannot go and you will see vistas reserved for the few, and life will be an experience well above the ordinary.

Almost anybody can get a black belt. Not everybody can BE a black belt.