Black Belt Grading

Achieving a black belt in the martial arts usually signifies that a practitioner has reached a recognised level of proficiency. It doesn't however make a person an elite member of the Special Forces, allow them to have superhuman powers, or make them indestructible. It basically means that an individual has fulfilled a specific level of training.

Like most martial art practitioners that manage to attain this distinguished level, I will never ever forget my very own black belt grading. After completing six-and-half years of regular practice, including three-months of intensive Sunday morning lessons, my Instructor finally announced that myself and two other classmates were ready to grade for our black belts on June 1st 1985.

A week or so beforehand the realisation of what I was about to accomplish suddenly struck home - I was actually on the brink of achieving something really significant in my life.  Up to this point it certainly hadn't been an easy ride, via the martial arts I'd been physically and mentally tested in a variety of different ways. It was through these challenges that I'd discovered so much about myself, including my many strengths and weaknesses. I also recognised that I was not the same person as when I first started out on this journey.

Leading up to the grading our preparations we're slowly coming together, however sadly with just one week to go, one of my colleagues had fallen badly and dislocated his shoulder. The injury meant that he wouldn't be able to fully participate in the final exam. From my own perspective this also suggested that for the majority of grading there would be only two of us on the mats performing directly in front of the Master - there would be no place to hide.

We were told that the grading would last approximately three / four hours and that we should also be prepared for a written test as well. This exam paper would cover specific aspects, such as Korean history, language, as well as the many principles of Kuk Sool.

The Korean Master presiding over our grading was a seventh degree black belt and the highest-ranking Kuk Sool Won teacher in the UK at that time. I'd previously had the pleasure in meeting the Chief Instructor on several separate occasions, usually at training sessions and other events. Personally, I found him to be very pleasant and friendly,  however I’d also heard that there was another side to him, which was regimental and strict.

Eventually the big day came around and the three of us together with our Instructor travelled down to London. Upon entering the training hall, we all bowed and were greeted by the Master. The atmosphere felt a little tense as we'd come to expect, with not too many words being said. The training hall was small, dark and relatively quiet, however out the corner of my eye I did notice a small streak of sunlight shining through the window directly onto the mats, almost like a spotlight in readiness for our forthcoming performance.

We were invited to change into our martial art uniforms. It was at this time I noticed my palms feeling rather sweaty and my limbs rigid and tight, my mouth was dry and I felt slightly sick  because of my nervousness. The thought of having to perform continuously for several hours was enough to give the most resilient practitioner an anxiety attack.  Our training companion who had injured himself had received special dispensation from the Master for him to participate only very 'lightly.' He would play only a minor part in the grading so not to exacerbate his condition.

When our names were called we automatically yelled, "Yes sir" and ran hurriedly onto the mats. We completed the formal bowing procedures and our test got underway. We started off with a basic warm-up routine, leading into a multitude of different kicks and hand strikes. Our own Instructor was yelling out the commands from the sidelines, whilst carefully scrutinising every move that we made. I recognised that there was part of him out there with us as we continued to demonstrate and perform all aspects of our art.  

My training partner and I responded instinctively to all the instructions, as we slammed each other constantly down onto the mats. We didn't hold back and must have hit the ground over one-hundred times each, throw after throw. All of our previous body conditioning exercises had obviously been worthwhile. I remember saying to myself, "I will get through this test if it's the last thing that I do." I really wanted to exhibit the martial art 'indomitable' spirit.

Toward the final stages of our grading I began to experience a sudden sense of euphoria and elation. It might have been caused by a sudden rush of blood to my head or possibly my endorphins starting to kick-in because of all the exertion, however I believe it was most likely due to the fact that the toughest aspect of our test was soon about to finish. 

After completing the rest of the requirements, we then took a short break  before  getting ourselves ready for the written test.  I wasn't overly concerned about this segment because I‘d really studied and prepared well beforehand. With the test paper placed in front of me, I just ploughed through the questions with no hesitation or problem at all. 

My confidence was now expanding to an all-time high as I quickly finished and handed in my answer sheet. I felt mightily relieved that it was now all over, however my exhilaration was to be short lived; the Master unexpectedly announced to us that there was to be a surprise third part to our grading.

The news shocked us all and was something that we were all totally unprepared for; I wasn't even sure if my own Instructor was aware of this latest development. The Master wanted us to travel with him to another part of the city where he would be holding further classes during the afternoon. If we really wanted to achieve our black belts we obviously had no choice but to agree and follow him to the next location to finish off the grading.

After driving through the chaotic streets of London, we eventually arrived at a well-known London University. Upon entering the campus sports complex we were met by a small group of black belt practitioners already wearing their uniforms. These guys seemed extremely well-trained and proficient. My training partner and I looked at each other and both realised that we were possibly about to face our toughest challenge of the day.

Our bodies were already aching and sore. Despite the discomfort we accepted that once again we were going to have to raise our game to the highest level. The Master had of course lined up his finest black belt students for us to fight. These chaps were not novices but experienced practitioners, with many years of training already under their belts. I have to admit at the time I did feel slightly worried and concerned.

We all lined up and paired off with each other, bowed and then the sparring commenced. Initially I got hit with wave after wave of kicks and punches and I realised that it was their intention to pummel us into the ground. Thankfully, as time wore on my body became more supple and my mind relaxed and focused. I eventually started to give a better account of myself and came out on top in several bouts. 

These sparring matches continued non-stop for about an hour. By the latter part of the afternoon I'd literally got my 'second-wind' and even started to gain pleasure from the session. Suddenly... the Master clapped his hands and everyone came to an abrupt halt, he didn't say anything but just looked at us and grinned. I thought to myself, "if that wasn't good enough I don't know what was." 

I glanced over to my mate and gave him a wink as I wiped the sweat from my forehead.  In the end I thought we'd actually given a pretty good account of ourselves at least we had  survived the ordeal. Afterwards we were congratulated by the senior practitioners who we had fought. The Master also acknowledged that our grading was now finally over and thankfully there were no more hidden surprises.

Afterwards on the way home in the car, I have to say that I’ve never experienced such an overwhelming sense of relief, satisfaction, achievement, and exhilaration, all rolled into one. It had really been a surreal day and one that I will never forget as long as I live.

During the forthcoming week a special announcement was made during the class at our local club - all three of us had passed our grading and were to be awarded our black belts the following week, presented by the Master / Chief Instructor himself.

As part of this memorable occasion our Instructor also presented us all with a special gift. A classic book, which I still have to this today - The TAO TE CHING by Lao Tsu.

Written inside of the front cover of the book was the following message.

To Martin, On the occasion of achieving your 1^st Dan Black Belt 16/6/1985.  Congratulations and best wishes for your future in Kuk Sool Won and do not forget……..white belt is a beginning, black belt is not an end, but just another beginning.