07/03/2026
PATIENCE and the journey from 1st Kyu (Brown and White Belt) to 1st dan (Black Belt)
We currently have a good number of students who have reached 1st kyu (brown and white belt) so here are a few words about the patience and dedication you will need to progress to your first black belt.
The time you spend as a 1st kyu is very special as it requires a great deal of patience, commitment, mental fortitude and physical prowess. It also serves as a period of preparation to not only have a fighting chance of succeeding at your 1st dan black belt grading but also a preparation of the MIND, BODY & SPIRIT for becoming a dan grade.
Achieving a 1st dan black belt does NOT mark the end of your karate journey but rather a whole new wonderful BEGINNING of further discovery and learning. We continually focus on improving all aspects we have learned so far, learning how to move your body in a faster more dynamic way resulting in a significantly more purposeful and powerful Karate technique and highly effective self defence.
A newly promoted 1st dan black belt will have studied only 8 of the 27 Shotokan Kata and has yet to experience the more complex Kihon sequences and Kumite sparring skills. All of which are both rewarding and interesting to learn.
There is literally NO RUSH to become a 1st dan, or any other dan black belt grade. Dan grades rarely happen in the minimum specified time frames and can take years rather than months but always and only happen when you have achieved a high enough technical standard with great purpose of technique, fitness, and skill level.
Please remember that Karate is a constant and life long journey of learning and improvement for us all and that from beginner to 10th dan black belt is a minimum of 58 YEARS of training so we are definitely NOT IN A RUSH.
If anyone has any questions or concerns then please do talk to me before or after your class or message me directly.
With immense thanks for your continued support
Tim
🥋⛩️🥋
We currently have a good number of students who have reached 1st kyu (brown and white belt) so here are a few words about the patience and dedication you will…
