How should black belts train?

ryanryu · Yellow Belt

We hear all the time that advanced students must “be their own sensei” while at the same time we hear that black belt is “just the beginning”. How do you/have you managed this transition?

This seems like a common problem given that the majority of students are not black belts and the majority of teachers are more experienced training students up to black belt. But what then? Are yudansha just left to their own devices? Should a sandan be practicing the same way as a shodan?

The rank is a convenient symbol here, but it's the same question for any martial artist who has reached that milestone of training.

Zaine · Black Belt

This is a good question, and will likely have multiple correct answers. I'll give what I think should be done, and then what I did. For me, if there is still material to learn (as there often is after Shodan), the black belts should be largely training at their dojos. I have found that it is common for material to exist up to San or Yondan, and afterwards the promotions are based on what the student brings to the school (i.e. their teaching, new techniques, new ways of using old techniques, etc.). In this, black belts are certainly left largely to their own devices in that they need less attention (or should need less attention). Holding a black belt class once a week to continue their training should be enough. Shodans will need a little more guidance as they transition to less attention paid towards them going forward, but after a month or 2 I would expect them to be largely practicing in the same way as a Sandan. After you learn the material left, it is my opinion that you should be going to other schools and learning new styles to both enhance your own understanding and contribute to whatever base style you wish to practice. Learning a Korean or Chinese style after a Japanese or Okinawan one is extremely beneficial.

For me, my teacher stopped teaching shortly after I got my Shodan, so I was on my own. There was more to learn (like... a lot more) that I no longer had, or have, for that matter, access to. I dived into other styles. I did kung fu for awhile, then moved on to HEMA, and most recently a different style of Shorin Ryu. I made my journey post-black belt my own. It was tough without a guide, and I'm still just a Shodan, but I have enjoyed it nonetheless.
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R5ky · Orange Belt

Yudansha should always train as if they were white belts.

bushido_man96 · KF Sensei

Wastelander · KF Sensei

I had a somewhat unique experience with this, in that my late Sensei required his students to know the ENTIRE curriculum for Shodan (this was the organization's requirement for GODAN). This meant that I had no new curriculum to learn after I reached black belt, which is not the case for most karateka, although eventually the organization did add some more required drills that I then had to pick up. My Sensei's idea with this was that black belts should spend their time both refining and exploring their karate. He would give corrections, as needed, but more often he would provide food for thought, and point out possibilities, so that you could then work through that on your own and with partners. He wanted you to be coming up with your own interpretations for how kata could be applied, and your own drills, and your own training regimen. He also wanted his brown and black belts to teach at least one class a week, because teaching actually helps you learn in a brand new way, and he would even join in as a student in those classes, and just follow along with how you ran the class. Personally, I think it was a great experience, and it set me up well for his passing, but I still wish I could be training with him, to this day.
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Kishimoto-Di | 2014-Present | Sensei: Ulf Karlsson
Shorin-Ryu/Shinkoten Karate | 2010-Present: Yondan, Renshi | Sensei: Richard Poage (RIP), Jeff Allred (RIP)
Shuri-Ryu | 2006-2010: Sankyu | Sensei: Joey Johnston, Joe Walker (RIP)
Judo | 2007-2010: Gokyu | Sensei: Joe Walker (RIP), Ramon Rivera (RIP), Adrian Rivera
Illinois Practical Karate | International Neoclassical Karate Kobudo Society

sensei8 · KF Sensei

Our Soke and Dai-Soke were not great fans of promoting Dan ranks by what they've brought of any positive notice to Shindokan whether it be directly or indirectly. Those actional types were reserved for the Shogo Titles.

Once Shodan, and all the way up to Hachidan, those black belt level were required to train as though our lives depended on it. Matter of fact, we trained even harder with Soke and Dai-Soke than ever...that was expected and if any Yudansha thought they were special or that they were going to coast, well, they were sadly mistaken.

No less than three black belt or advanced classes had to be attended each week, especially if you were a In-House black belt. Whenever I was in a position where I wasn't In-House anymore, I still trained at the Hombu once or every other month for a solid week with Dai-Soke.

Both Soke and Dai-Soke's core to their promotional consideration stemmed from the level of maturity of that Yudansha. No improved maturity of self and technique meant no promotional consideration.

When they both passed away our training was stymied, but it never ended because training to improve owns MA betterment and maturity is a never-ending journey...so it still goes on.

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**Proof is on the floor!!!

R5ky · Orange Belt

bushido_man96 · KF Sensei

ryanryu · Yellow Belt

Thanks for the replies! Lots to think about here –

bushido_man96 · KF Sensei

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