What Is Next After Black Belt?

This is a great achievement in the martial arts.

Through trail, discipline, dedication and hard work you have earned your black belt, having just completed your grade examination.

A time of celebration and immortality in the martial arts, enjoy and be present in that moment.

But, after a few days, back at the dojo in class, what comes next?

Discipline to the training and the art must continue, and the first-next step is to review the material from your black belt examination. What areas do you continue to need work on? What areas of movement are still in need of refinement?

Be sure to cover those areas.

Work to make sure you *are* a black belt in both name and skill.

As you continue to train in your rank, one will now need to give definition to the meaning black belt.

What does a black belt in the martial arts mean to you?

How are you going to now carry yourself in the dojo?

What example and inspiration are you going to set for the up-and-coming students in the dojo, those working towards black belt who are now going to be looking at you?

Are you now aware that as a black belt you now not only represent your dojo, but also the art with how you move and conduct yourself?

What is next is what a black belt means to you and what weight and honor you are going to develop and add to its meaning.

See you in the dojo!