The length of time to get a black belt varies from system to system. In the United States we have noticed a large number of schools, specifically sports martial arts schools, have started awarding black belts in 18 months or less. Shallow systems produce black belts very quickly.
Generally speaking, in most traditional systems it takes 5 years of continuous study to achieve shodan, a first degree black belt. Often times it takes even longer, depending on the instructor, the abilities of the student and the system’s curriculum.
Averages by system
Our research over the inter-webs of Google provided this information on how long to reach black belt, or its equivalent, in these popular martial arts systems.
the ranking culture of your martial arts school.
Yudansha
The black belt ranks are called, yudansha. There are many different degrees of yudansha (black belts) ranks within most martial arts systems. The first black belt rank doesn’t mean you are a master at the art. It simply means you have learned the basics of the system.
The greater the depth in a system, the longer the time required to reach the yudansha level. Length of time also depends on the culture of the martial arts system, class time one attends and personal practice. For example, If you are training twice a week for an hour it will take you much longer than someone who trains six days a week for several hours.
Three Pillars of a Deep System
Kihon, kumite and kata are the foundation of a traditional karate school. Kihon are the basics of a system. Kumite is sparring (controlled fighting) with an opponent. Sparring techniques are derived from kata. Kata are a pattern of kihons… the stances, hand, foot and breathing techniques that contain all the basics of a martial arts system. When kata is performed, it resembles an imaginary battle with an invisible opponent. It can take a lifetime to fully understand the underlying meaning behind techniques in each kata.
All three (kihon, kumite and kata) must be taught and integrated to be considered a traditional martial arts school or system. A martial arts school that is missing or not sufficiently teaching any one of the three, lacks depth in their system and therefore is doing their students a disservice.
The final application of kihon, kumite and kata is randori. This is free style sparring. It differs from tournament sparring in that there is no interruption for “points.” It allows low kicks, sweeps, grappling, throwing, chokes and pins. This level of fighting is takes time to learn and is another reason for the longer time to attain a black belt. It is unsuitable for most tournaments and is why many traditional martial arts dojos don’t participate in tournaments.
What Is A Black Belt?
A black belt isn’t something you wear, it is something that you are. If you aren’t actively training, it is a rank you hold not who you are.
The martial arts are a journey not a destination. Rank isn’t about the fabric around your waist, its about the knowledge in your mind, character of your heart and the abilities of your body. If you are in it simply to earn a black belt, you are in it for the wrong reasons.
