How to become a black belt in karate

So there you are standing around with the rest of the students of your first karate class. Feeling a bit awkward in your new pyjamas type attire you anxiously scan the room observing your fellow classmates as they warm up for the upcoming lesson. There are students bearing belts around their waist of all different colors ranging from white, like your own, up to the coveted blackbelt.

There is usually a progression of belt levels one has to go through in his quest for the blackbelt. Most traditional karate schools follow the color sequence of white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and finally black, with the required time of training in between levels around 6 months. There can be and most certainly are slight variations on this, including striped belts as well, but for the most part you can expect to see this type of structure in most dojos (training hall)that you train in.

Well the very fact that your standing there willing to submit yourself to the unknown serves as some testament to the amount of courage you possess. It does take a fair bit of courage to finally enter those dojo doors for the first time after you finally make up your mind to do so. For some the decision to join may be purely for the chance of acquiring some self-defense skills while others may initially be interested in karate as a unique way of primarily getting some exercise, with the added byproduct of gaining self-defense skills. Whatever the reason the prospective student has to be commended for at least reaching the dojo floor.

Now that you are there it's time to look at what you can do to make the most of your training time. One important thing to do is not to be too hard on yourself at this stage of the game. Some beginners are naturally more coordinated and flexible than others, and depending on age or any disabilities you may have, it's important to relax and go slow. Listen and watch intently has your sensei(teacher) or some other senior student demonstrates technique and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed.

That's what they are there for and you'll find that most if not all will eagerly assist you with any problems you may have. When starting out as a white belt, try not to think of yourself as a white belt but maybe as a yellow belt, the next level up. Always raising the bar a little higher in your mind sometimes provides that little bit of extra drive and ambition. Though as I said, try not to be too hard on yourself. It's important to work hard and try but you must also allow yourself to have some fun with this, or your days on the dojo floor in search of the elusive blackbelt will become increasingly harder to endure.

Quite often training in the dojo requires pairing up with other students for practice, which is an excellent way to accustom yourself to the physical advances of an attacker. It also allows interaction between you and your fellow classmates, building a certain camaraderie among the class. It's important to go with the flow here and accept constructive advice from your partner as well as offering your own as you see fit.

Over-ambitious students inflicting undue harm can be encountered in any dojo, so if you find yourself paired up with such a partner please don't hesitate to express your concerns, if you have any, with your sensei. In the dojo(and outside for that matter)it is important to treat yourself and your fellow classmates with respect.

When performing techniques new to you, take your time and do what you can do. You know your own body and only you can know when you’re pushing yourself too hard. When warming up for class it's important not to overdue it on the stretching part or it could prove more of a set back than a benefit, especially if you pull a groin muscle or something.

Almost initially you'll be introduced to a form of training called kata. These are prearranged training sequences of karate techniques simulating self-defense from various attackers at different angles. Each belt level requires the learning of a specific kata so they are pretty well matched to the skill level of the practitioner at that time. These can be a bit hard to get used to starting off, but with continued practice, both in the dojo and at home, they continually get easier to learn.

That's right, I did say at home. As much as it is important to attend classes regularly, it is also necessary to train at home, as long as the space available permits it. Training at home regularly, especially when first familiarizing yourself with the intricate moves involved in the kata, will prove invaluable to spurring along your progress. You'll find that you are much more comfortable in your own surroundings and under less pressure allowing you to concentrate much more than you probably would otherwise under the watchful eyes of more advanced students.

After becoming somewhat comfortable with a particular kata I would definitely recommend concentrating a great deal on developing a strong and technically correct stance. There are variety of stances(which are basically just different ways of standing while executing techniques)that are used in karate and the sound development and use of them is absolutely critical for building a strong foundation in karate.

While working on either your katas or kihon(basic training)proper breathing control must be developed which in turn will help you to acquire better balance and concentration.

When moving try not to breath up into your chest but rather breath down into your lower abdomen with the effect of pushing and rooting yourself to the ground or floor beneath you. Some dojos have mirrors on the walls to assist you in critiquing yourself for correct posture and form. If your dojo doesn't have a mirror then try practicing in front of one at home. As you advance further up the ladder towards your goal of blackbelt you must try to move from the start of a technique to the end of a technique as one powerful solid body unit. As I mentioned before breathing is an important aspect of training and that brings me to the ki-ai or loud shout, scream or whatever, that is associated with practice of karate. This sharp expulsion of air that the karateka(practitioner of karate)makes may seem a little unnerving to the casual bystander and well it should be. One of the reasons for using the ki-ai is to confuse a would-be attacker just enough to help you gain an edge on him. Also this expulsion of air (which can sound different for different people)rids the body of excess air decreasing the chance of having the wind knocked out of him in the event of a successful attack on his person. Finally the ki-ai can serve as a source of inner spirit and courage that the karateka can draw on in times of great stress and confrontation such as encountered in a physical altercation. When first using the ki-ai you may be a little self-conscious of making so much noise but continued practice is necessary and will make you more comfortable with it in time.

Now besides what I have mentioned there are also other training regimes you may wish to use to supplement your regular program. Since breathing, and the control of it is so important I would definitely recommend some cardiovascular exercise such as jogging or running to improve your endurance on the dojo floor. Since a lot of practice in karate class involves throwing kicks and punches into empty air, I would also suggest a little heavy bag work or makiwara training to get the feel of hitting something solid.

A makiwara is basically a board with a padded section upon which a karateka can practice his or her punches, and is designed to give a little upon impact. Practice such as this will ensure correct wrist and arm alignment and will help to produce a more powerful punch.

Try to set goals for yourself and try to come away from each class with a little bit more than what you went in with. There will be times when you will ask yourself if it's all worth it and start to doubt your chances of success. Take it one step at a time and one obstacle at a time never letting yourself get discouraged.

Keep training hard, keep focused, never give up on your dream and one day it will be you warming up before class with lightning fast kicks and punches as the white belts look on in admiration at the dojo's newest black belt.