Is There A Point To Kung Fu Belts?

A person can get a black belt in about 2 to 3 years. When I first started training I asked my Sifu if he had a belt rank system. His reply was yes, but he doesn’t use it. I must admit at first I was a little disappointed. I was really looking to reach that goal.

But none the less I liked the guy so I continued to train with him. As the years went on 5 years, then 10 years etc.. I started to realize that having a belt system gives a person a false sense of security. Don’t get me wrong there are some schools out their that really drill their black belts and they work hard for their accomplishments. But there are so many schools out their that really do water down their martial arts.

It is rather easy to get a black belt in some schools. This gives the student a false sense of security. This is one of the reasons why you hear stories of black belts walking into bars and getting their butts handed to them.

Truth can’t be found in a belt, while I really wanted a Kung Fu Belt I am glad that my Sifu never focused on it. People ask me all the time what belt am I? I sorta laugh because I have been training most of my life and I don’t have a belt. I don’t even have a certificate of completion.

My take on this whole belt thing is this.

If you are going to train in a martial art kung fu or any other martial art system, don’t worry so much about the belts. That implies that one day you will have gotten to the finish line which means you have learned all you can. In Kung Fu we know that there is always someone better. We are on a life long journey of self discovery. There isn’t a finish line there is only continual growth.

So while I can understand why some people would want a Kung Fu Belt, the reality is the belt means nothing. What matters most is the spirit of a person.

Mama’s Family – Black Belt Mama pt 2

Enjoy! 🙂