You are a trusted martial arts student but you are still only half way to earning your coveted black belt.
Now is when you will be required to dig in and prove yourself. Be prepared to do whatever you are reasonably asked to do. Expect to be asked to do a lot. When you are asked to sweep and clean the restrooms, you do that. You will be teaching classes and giving extra time to all lower ranking students. Yes, you may be a prominent attorney and you are assisting your master in setting up for children’s birthday parties because your dojo relies on this income. Whatever it is, whatever it takes, you are a brown belt, so you are there without excuses.
Most schools have punishing classes reserved exclusively for brown belts. Attendance will be mandatory. You will sweat to exhaustion. You will fight and compete in all tournaments. This is not a chore. This is your choice. You want to prove yourself and be tested.
For the next 18 months to two years, earning your black belt should be a life priority. Your brown belt time is a commitment. You may be limping before it’s through. If friends and family think you are little nuts, they probably aren’t far off. If you get through the brown belts ranks without an injury or getting a little blood on your gi, you will be an exception.
Being a brown belt is a great time when your war stories are written.
Power perceived is often power achieved.
