What does a Black Belt mean?
During my seven year experience with Tae Kwon Do, the term “black belt” has taken on many different meanings. Like most people with little exposure to the martial arts, my initial belief was that a black belt was some type of macho superman, capable of defeating multiple opponents and breaking all types of material with a single blow. This impression was quickly dispelled as I observed the patience, gentleness and discipline that my sons’ instructor exhibited during every class. He taught sparring without intent to injure, self defense without retaliation and self discipline without self aggrandizement Later, as my husband and sons prepared for their 1st Dan test, the word black belt took on new dimensions. The dedication required to attend every class, boot camp session, and graduation practice was intense. Yet, they didn’t just attend, they worked incessantly on every detail to make their techniques as effective as possible. As I watched their graduation ceremony, I could tell that m
