| What does a black belt mean to you. You and I | | | | where they've set their priority - is not centered |
| both know what it means to most people. And, | | | | on self defense, but on winning a contest! |
| that's what I call part of "The Karate-Myth." | | | | If you're serious about mastering the ability to |
| Contrary to popular belief, a black belt in the | | | | protect yourself against real world assailants - |
| martial arts has little to do with whether or not | | | | savagely attacking you with raw, animalistic |
| someone has the ability to protect themselves. | | | | brutality - then you must begin with awareness |
| This is not to say that the person wearing it can't | | | | and clarity. Before you can do that, though, you |
| defend themselves against a real-world, street | | | | must first shed the illusions and deluded beliefs, |
| attacker. | | | | myths, and misconceptions that are getting |
| But then, I would never say that a high school | | | | talented black belt martial artists broken by street |
| wrestler couldn't defend themselves either! | | | | thugs every day. |
| The ability lies, not with the belt but, with the | | | | Without this awareness - the clarity of |
| focus that went into getting it. If the person | | | | understanding just what you'll be up against inside |
| wearing a black belt has focused on sport martial | | | | a brutal attack scenario, as opposed to a |
| arts all along, then the belt represents his or her | | | | rule-laden tournament - you risk not learning the |
| proficiency in THAT area - not self protection. | | | | lessons that will save your life. |
| Again, just as with the wrestler, this is not to say | | | | Remember, in a real-world self defense situation, |
| that they cannot defend themselves. It means | | | | the only trophy you get for "winning" is the |
| that what they are studying and practicing - | | | | privilege to go home in one piece after it's over! |