The term "black-belt", in the public forum, is synonymous with martial arts expertise. The concept, along with the white-belt was originally conceived by Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo in the late 19th century. In the early years of the 20th century, more colours and "dan" grades were added to form a ranking system. However, for much of the past century the black-belt has, at least in the west, been a rare achievement and symbolic of mastery. This was probably not Kano's original intent and in the past few decades, to modern karateka, the black-belt has once again become a symbol of proficiency of a style's basic techniques, rather than expertise. Rather than an end-point, reaching black-belt is a beginning and a transition from learning foundational knowledge to developing a greater breadth and depth of understanding.

As black-belt is symbolic of the start of the 'real' karate journey, there must be a distinction between a new black-belt and a master of the art. Certainly anyone who has been to either the NAS Nationals or the GKR World Cup will have seen that black-belts come in all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities. So what is it that makes a 'good' black-belt? What qualities distinguish the 'good' from the 'bad' and those karateka who are just beginning?

I think there are three key areas in which a 'good' black belt should excel: body, mind and spirit. On a physical level, one should have mastered the foundations of the style. In GKR this means that one should be able to perform all the basic strikes, blocks, stances, and kicks with a high level of proficiency. They should also be able to demonstrate the accurate and proficient performance of these within combinations, at least the first 8 kata and of course, kumite.

However, I consider these to be only the basic requirements (physically) for black-belt. One should also have a high level of fitness, in all of the major components (strength, endurance, cardio, flexibility, power, balance, agility, coordination), and be able to use these to enhance their level of kime - in both kata and kumite.

A 'good' black belt should also be able to demonstrate reasonable proficiency with 'advanced' techniques such as hook and spinning kicks, sweeping and grappling. Finally, they should also be able to demonstrate, with proficiency, self-defense measures against the common attacks (strikes, kicks, grabs, holds). This is basic premise for being a 'martial' art.

On a mental level, to reach black-belt requires a similar degree of fitness and mastery. A student needs to develop a proactive mental attitude or else they will not be able to handle the rigors of gradings/class or will become bored/distracted easily and stagnate in their training. The foundation element is discipline. Newer students are taught discipline but a black-belt should have mastered 'self'-discipline. One should not need an instructor standing over their shoulder barking instructions to be able to push themselves. Discipline develops mental toughness and strong concentration skills. A 'good' black belt should have the discipline to train hard regularly. They should also be able to demonstrate good 'character' discipline by following instructions in class.

Closely following discipline is focus. Without the ability to focus one's energy mentally, good efforts go to waste. A black belt should be able to demonstrate a high level of focus in their training. They should not be easily distracted. However, focus is more than that. On a deeper level, a 'good' black belt should be able to focus their whole training in a direction of self-improvement in an industrious manner. The mental attitude of seeking CANI (constant and never-ending improvement) is a key distinction between a 'good' black belt and someone who can just kick & punch well.

However, for one to focus on self-improvement, they must have two further mental capacities: knowledge, and the awareness and ability to self-analyse. A black belt should know and understand the fundamental techniques of our style (listed above). A 'good' black belt would also have a sound knowledge of basic physiology and mechanics (branch of physics), so as to be able to analyse applications of techniques in kata to understand basic principles of karate and to be able to synthesis such principles into the application of technique in kumite and self-defense scenarios. They should also be able to analyse their own technique in training, so as to be their own instructor and make use of the CANI approach.

For this take place, one must have an open mind. Part of seeking excellence is to be a life-long learner. A 'good' black belt should be willing to learn from anyone: regardless of rank or style. They should not close themselves off to only doing something one way - or doing things only because they are told to. They should question ideas and methods, not a disrespectful way, but productively.

Finally, on a spiritual level, a 'good' black belt should espouse the philosophy of Master Funakoshi: "The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the perfection of the character of its participants". This follows directly from Master Kano's vision for a black belt - he was the first to attach the word do (way) to the martial arts, making it a way of life.

A 'good' black belt is one who has developed a moral code and understands its role in the martial arts. They should be spiritually strong, proud of their achievements and have enough self-confidence and fortitude to exhibit a genuine positive disposition. A 'good' black belt should also demonstrate balance by a degree of humility and benevolence in their relationships with others. Their sense of loyalty and justice should make them role-models for others to aspire to be like.  

Above all, a 'good' black has honour - they have and seek integrity, virtue and excellence in all facets of their life.