A parent stopped me in the hall between classes the other day. "Master Mast, you mentioned 'Black Belt spirit' several times during your speech at the Annual Banquet. What exactly does this mean"?
I was stunned. First because someone was actually listening to me. And second, because it was such a great question! I had to stop, because I don't think "Black Belt Spirit", was ever defined for me. It was always just ubiquitous...out there...described by instructors and Masters. "you must have black belt spirit"....this or that action was great "black belt spirit".
Surprisingly, if you Google it, nothing comes up by way of a definition. A school in France, some ads for watches, but no definition. How is this possible? I know it exists. Why has no one defined it before?
So here goes...and this is what I told her.
Black Belt spirit begins with the physical training of Taekwondo. The years of training, dedication and tireless practice to develop strength, stamina, quickness, flexibility, coordination, and balance.
Add to this the 5 tenets of Taekwondo: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit. These 5 words start out as just that...words that are recited. Memorized for a test, or quiz to be regurgitated to the Master. Slowly, over time, lessons of the dojang begin to color other aspects of life. The lessons that occur IN the dojang, start to influence life OUT of the dojang. Mind, body and spirit become unified and transformed. The individual begins to embody and incorporate these tenets into their life, their person, the way the deal with others. In addition to the 5 tenets, Black Belt Spirit includes confidence, leadership, grace-under-fire, compassion, empathy, caring, and humility.
After a person internalizes these traits, believes in them, and starts to live their life by them, they begin to radiate from the individual. They become easily seen and experienced by fellow martial artists, and non-martial artists in their life.
To become a Black Belt is to become a warrior and to carry on a tradition of warriors. Not a warrior in the sense of someone that kills, or injures others for pleasure. But a warrior of spirit. The ability to live in balance of all things that are good, and kind, and beautiful...and in an instant.... transform in both mind and body to a deadly warrior capable of destruction.
The Japanese have a term....Bushido...meaning, "The Warrior's Way". A code to live, serve and die by. Black Belt Spirit is today's Bushido.
In today's society and culture that is sometimes too fast, too rude, too self-centered, too lazy, it is good for us to be stewards of this ancient Bushido Way.
Train hard!
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