For those who are uninformed about Martial Arts, the black belt is the endgame; it is the elusive brass ring for which so many reach and few obtain. To be a black belt requires focus, discipline, commitment, and a host of other intense qualities. Once rank is attained, then a pinnacle is reached with nothing left to do but bask in the glory of accomplishment.
For those who know about Martial Arts, the black belt is cumulative with degrees of accomplishment that require a variety of forms and skills. Even then, there is the highest degree which few acquire; however, there are those who do. Then what? What if you become a black belt and life changes make it difficult for you to keep training? There are transition times in life: sometimes, it’s impossible to train when you enter high school, leave for college, start a family, etc.
Is black belt status a finish line or is there more that you can do to show your commitment to the honor earned? Being a black belt is a state of mind that cannot be lost and what is learned cannot be unlearned even if you are unable to train. Although we would always encourage everyone to continue honing skills because of the health and emotional benefits that training produces, we know that it is not always possible…so, what can you do?
At CMAC, we are privileged to have numerous black belt “family members” who stay connected and contribute to our school to the degree which life affords. Michael Luthi (3rd degree) hasn’t trained in over 20 years, but he helps at tournaments, has his kids in TaeKwonDo, and has always been helpful in whatever capacity he serves.
We are blessed to have several black belts at CMAC: Doc (aka Mark) Frost, Clara Smalls, and Brooklyn Bradberry, to name a few. You will see these and others working at tournaments and belt testings, showing up for summer camp, helping at a major event, and promoting our school and programs.
There’s always a place for you; being a black belt is an identity thing and we always want you at CMAC. We always want you to be a part of things…be part of the school in whichever way you can. We’re a community, a family, you can always come back and visit. Once a black belt, always a black belt and once a part of the CMAC Family, always a part of the CMAC Family.