Craig's Kempo Karate Academy Watertown, MA

Each of our Black Belts have to write an essay on what it means to them to earn their Black Belt. Here is Sean’s essay on what it means to him. 🥋

What it Means to be a Black Belt
Sean Gillen

A belt is just a piece of fabric. Black threads woven together to form a strong strip, the name of the owner embroidered onto the face. Beautiful, sturdily made, but just a piece of fabric. In this day and age, anyone can order a black belt to their door with same day shipping. What makes a black belt isn't what they wear around their waist. It’s the consistency and dedication that it takes to show up week after week, and break your limits. Break who you thought you were in order to find a new self, a better self. Today isn’t about getting a new belt color, it’s about celebrating all the time it took to get there. For me it took 11 years, 3923 days, 1584 classes. This journey has taken most of my lifetime, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. This discipline of Karate has made the person you see before you, not only in physical prowess, but in mental fortitude.

Earning the rank of black belt takes an almost unimaginable amount of work. In this dojo, there is no success without Effort. The continued discipline and resolve, to keep going no matter what obstacle or tribulation one faces. Hard work is recognized and awarded in this dojo, there are no handouts, there are no shortcuts. In order to achieve the rank of Shodan, one must show extraordinary effort in any trial. The ability to give one's all is a hallmark of a martial artist. Being a black belt means you have shown phenomenal Effort.

It’s easy to look at becoming a black belt as a physical accomplishment. However, there is much more to attaining this rank than mere athleticism or memorization. Becoming a black belt requires one to conduct themself in a manner befitting such; therefore, you must show proper Etiquette. Not only in the dojo, but outside in our daily lives. A black belt must show manners and respect in order to honor the school and its practitioners. Being a black belt means you have proper Etiquette.

In this journey of martial arts, one must be sure of themselves. Confidence in your own ability makes you move with assurance, a shaky step forward is not a stable step forward. In order to be sure of oneself, you must demonstrate proper Sincerity. Being a black belt requires one to be honest with themselves and others. If you aren’t true to yourself with intentions, you cannot form a stable path in martial arts. To say and do exactly what you mean is what makes a black belt sincere. Being a black belt means you have true Sincerity

Impulses and emotions are something everyone has. Even black belts are human. However the difference lies in how we respond to those impulses and strong emotions. Having Self Control is one of the many indicators of a disciplined person. Being in control of your impulses, emotions, and even your weaknesses, means you can make rational decisions on logic and reason rather than acting out. A good martial artist acts with reserve when necessary, mastering their emotions rather than having their emotions master them. Being a black belt means having Self Control

The measure of a black belt isn’t just what occurs within the walls of this dojo, it’s how one behaves outside of it. Their behavior when no one is looking, and no one is around to praise them for their good deeds. The ambition to always improve as a person every day is what makes a black belt so hungry to succeed. Your Character is who you are beyond all the social monotony and norms. ‘The sum of your qualities defines the person you really are.’ A good martial artist maintains dignity and honor even when they stand to gain nothing. Being a black belt means you have demonstrated strong Character

These are the five pillars of the dojo code, words we live by and goals that we strive for every day. In my life, they have acted as a guide for the type of man I want to be. Through numerous hardships in my own life, they’ve served as a blueprint for my response and a compass for the direction in which to proceed. They’re said by everyone at the start and end of every class: “Effort, Etiquette, Sincerity, Self Control, Character” To me, being a black belt means demonstrating these five tenets to a degree that nurtures excellency in yourself and those around you

Here are 3 dads with their 3 daughters whom are all Black Belts at Craig’s Kempo.
Joy and Auri, Bobby and Lily, Adam and Luna

Dads should never mess with their Black Belt daughters! lol

This Black Belt test had a first in the history of Craig’s Kempo, A father and daughter testing and receiving their Black Belts together 🥋
Congratulations Adam and Luna 🥳🎉👏🏻

End of the Black Belt test 🥋
CONGRATULATIONS TESTERS!
I couldn’t be prouder of each of you

Black Belt weekend at the dojo!
Yesterday our black belt testers earned different degrees of black belt and today testing continues with students going for their 1st degree 🥋

REMINDER:
The Dojo is
CLOSED TODAY
For Black Belt testing 🥋

🥋🥋🥋🥋