Christian Black Belt

A Black Belt test is a mirror of all the effort and work that an individual puts into their training.  It is an opportunity to test oneself in several ways.  It is an opportunity to see if one has the endurance, ability, commitment and toughness that are necessary in body, mind and spirit necessary to complete the journey they may have started so long ago. 

• Black Belts must exhibit high personal moral standards at all times.
• Black Belts must be able to concentrate, even in the midst of adversity.
• Black Belts must be able to control their anger and emotions and not let their emotions control them.
• A Christian Black Belt must be able to develop strong levels of discipline and self control in all aspects of life and allow the Holy Spirit to be the guiding influence in their life.
• Black Belts do what they are supposed to do when it needs to be done.  Anyone can start a job but not everyone will finish it.  A Black Belt will do a good job and finish the task set before him.
• Black Belts show strong leadership qualities. Leadership is extremely important in martial arts training. The Christian Black Belt must be able to show strong Biblical Leadership qualities in all situations.
• Black Belts must be willing to give back to others, especially their church and missionaries, their community, their family, their fellow martial artists and those in need.
• Black Belts, like the students they teach, must remember that we are all students.  The only difference between the Black Belt and the non Black Belt student is the amount of time he or she has spent in class studying.  If we, as Black Belts, wish to continue to grow in knowledge and wisdom, then we must continue to be good students.  In order to do that, We Must Be Teachable. We, like the beginning student, must understand that the commitment to become a Black Belt is something that has to come from within us.
• Black Belts enjoy and understand the importance of practice.  As the new Christian desires to grow in their faith so that they might be better able to help others, so the Christian Black Belt understands the importance of training and improving their skill so that they can be used as a tool to have a positive influence on others.
•  A Christian Black Belt understands the importance of keeping notes and records of their experiences, especially the ones that have helped him or her to grow as an individual.  The time may come when sharing their past experiences can be a source of inspiration or help to someone in need.

All of us, beginner level and advanced level students, should understand that there is a HUGE difference between earning a Black Belt and becoming a Black Belt.  One can earn a Black Belt by learning how to do all the physical techniques and passing the required testing material.  To BECOME a Black Belt one must not only be able to demonstrate the physical aspects of their skill, but the qualities of discipline, self control, respect for authority, perseverance, honor, truthfulness, benevolence  and compassion should also be evident in their day-to-day lives.

•  Black Belts work as hard on their own as they do in their classes. They understand the importance of integrity, whether in public or in private.  

A Christian Black Belt must have compassion for those around them.  Whether it is a fellow student or a complete stranger, a willingness to help those in need is an important part of their life.

A Christian Black Belt understands the importance of “Walking in the Way.” The Way” to many people simply means doing what makes them feel good or what is the easiest path to take on a day-to-day basis.  To the Christian Black Belt, following the “Way” means being willing to make a commitment to follow the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, not only in our martial arts but even more importantly, in our day-to-day living.  As Christian Black Belts we understand that living our daily lives in a manner that encourages others to follow Christ is not only our responsibility, it is our privilege and our calling.

In Philippians 4:13 we are told “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.”  As Christian Black Belts we should always remember that we do not have to walk the Christian walk by ourselves.  God has given us a Helper, His Holy Spirit, who will empower us and direct us, if only we will allow him do so.

As Christian Black Belts we must be willing to take the opportunities we have as Christian Instructors to make a difference. Scripture tells us “We are the salt of the earth.” It is God that wants us to make a difference for him. We must let our light shine and give God the glory any time we have an opportunity to do so.  We must remember, as salt can change the taste of food so we can make a difference in the lives of our students and provide a Godly influence in their lives.

Last but not least, we should make it our goal to see God magnified in our lives on a daily basis.  Remember Colossians 3:23: “Whatever we work at let us work as unto God and not unto man.”