Just what is a Black Belt?

  I've been asked this question a lot.  Michael Rossi (5th Degree Master) and
  Tony Scaccia (9th Degree Grand Master) awarded me a 1st Degree Black Belt in
  1994, so I've had a lot of time to think about it!

  First off, you may be wondering, "Why is Larry bringing this up right now?"

  What a clever question!  Since you asked, the reason is quite simple.  There
  are presently two Black Belt candidates at Michael's School of Choreographic
  Arts, Bill Horgan and Dennis Dunbar.  Both of these fine students took their
  pre-tests in December, and are looking ahead to the Black Belt rank in Y2K.
  This means that the topic of Black Belts and their qualifications are at the
  forefront of the school right about now, as it should be.

  Attaining the Black Belt rank is a very personal experience.  Michael and
  Tony craft each test to the individual student, probing his (or her) essence 
  to find that quality that certifies them to Black Belt status.  I remember 
  that my own test was 4 hours long, and contained all of the material I had 
  learned to date at Michael's school.  More importantly, however, were tests 
  designed to diagnose my character - to see how I would react under pressure 
  as a martial artist. 

  Now, I would be disingenuous to tell you that I passed with flying colors.  
  Rather, my Black Belt test was, quite honestly, the best CLASS I participated 
  in since I enrolled at the school.  I wasn't perfect.  I made mistakes.  And 
  my teachers were there for me to help me move forward.  

  But Michael and Tony knew (in the way Masters know) that I was ready to take 
  the step to Black Belt, and pushed me to my limit.  To the Black Belt level.  
  But not beyond - and that's important.  

  At Michael's, the Black Belt is just the beginning of the journey.  Once 
  achieved, there is a world of learning ahead.  I have found that most lay 
  people think a Black Belt is some kind of perfect martial artist - a kind of 
  indestructible fighting machine who can block bullets as well as punches.  

  Well, in this Black Belt's opinion, this is nothing more than a marketing 
  concept from a movie studio or profit hungry school to you. 

  A Black Belt in our system doesn't have to block bullets.  Or alien laser 
  beams.  All he (or she) needs is a solid knowledge of the style, ability to 
  teach, and competence in performing the art.  Of course, this takes four 
  hours and a bit of talent to demonstrate! 

  A Black Belt has the "Eye of the Tiger," a kind of focus that raises his (or 
  her) game beyond what he thought possible as a Brown Belt.  A singularity of 
  purpose that reveals no less than total commitment from the martial artist.  
  It means making each technique real, as if the strike, block or kick were 
  being performed against a real foe in that very moment. 

  It means the forms are living, real simulations - not practiced, robotic  
  routines against fictional, invisible opponents. 

  It means you mean it and you know it.  Plain and simple.  Dennis and Bill are 
  both worthy people and competent martial artists.  But do they mean it?  Do 
  they know it?  

  I wouldn't be a good friend if I didn't WANT them to get their Black Belts.  
  But I wouldn't be a good Black Belt if I didn't challenge them to go beyond 
  themselves - to strike, kick and block as though their life depended on it.   
  To mean it.

  And I mean this - if they do what they know and execute their Kung Fu to the 
  best of their abilities - Tim and I are going to have some company! 

Last updated September 24, 2000.