What is a Black Belt

Friday Knight News

What is a black belt was supposed to be, it more than a rag to hold your gi together after all. No one believes that flip answer although most of us have used it at one time or another. Why else would anyone strive to attain it if this were true. What does it the black belt rank mean and represent? The simplicity of this question expresses a deeper unction because most people who ask it are already black belt holders. The answer goes beyond the history of the samurai, the ninja and even the legends of the monks that spread the concepts of unarmed martial arts throughout the Asia. Most black belts know that the black belt ranking system is relatively a new concept but we understand what the rank is theoretically meant to represent.

Most of us black belt holder that I've spoken with over the last 40 plus years that I have been practicing seem to believe that the rank is a symbolic representation of the past. This is first and foremost the purpose of the black belt. We believe for the most part that it is the duty of every black belt martial artist to live and uphold an example of the ideals that this symbol represents. In the minds of most black belts these ideals represented more than mental and physical strength, endurance, flexibility, skill and knowledge. The black belt represents a continuing legacy to the development of youth and the continuation of development.

Many black belts disdained martial artists that smoke, drink in excess and are not physically fit and those who cannot make their system, or style work. Some martial artist claimed that martial arts are only to teach people how to fight and not to make them saints then juxtaposed to this some say that martial arts are not real and should only be pursued for purely a mind-body connection. I feel that both approaches when viewed alone diminish the martial arts.

Many martial artist today cross train and they dislike the dogmatic approach of some styles that considered any other system other than their own to be substandard. Not everyone had the same strengths and every black belt should be able accommodate the martial arts to their own needs. A black belt knows their own weakness but they should possess the strength, flexibility and endurance to pass a high standard physical fitness test within their limitations. I believe amputees and others that face hardships can develop themselves to be more than their circumstance would make them appear to be.

So no matter if you’re style concentrates on striking, grappling or a weapon skill a black belt should be able to adapt to any circumstance. After all what was the purpose of studying martial arts if only the biggest, strongest, fastest or most aggressive person would win. That mindset is faulty because everyone gets tired, old or injured and the philosophy of the martial arts often uses the expression of using your opponent’s strength against them. Other schools use the say knowledge over power or having an indomitable spirit is the prime function of development.

This is why at higher levels the art the practitioners often develop softer slower and more cunning methods of applying strategies, principles and techniques. Many arts also teach that the esoteric wisdom of transforming the mind is the purpose behind the martial arts and that learning to direct our thoughts and words (both written and spoken), are the seeds to this garden. This was what being a black belt is all about holding the both the pen and the sword in equal esteem.

My stories are about martial arts adventures that are intertwined with paranormal or supernatural events. The following links are to the Kindle version books from the "Dream Walker” series. Our adventurers find themselves on a quest where they are confronted with both conspiracy and mystery. Their challenge is to unite their mind and body skills together utilizing what they have learned in the martial arts with the transcendental power of dream mediation. They attempt to do this while they are trying to make a life for themselves and elude those that seek to use and control them.

Conversations with a Sage (Book 1 of the Dream-Walker)

Conversations with a Sage: This explores Xander Davidson's early encounters with the mysterious fog like Dream Walking martial art sages. He ponders if they are real or if they are only remnants of his dreams. He mainly keeps this secret world to himself as he tries to copes with abuse, growing up without support or guidance and the mystery of his family's past. 

Xander and the Assassins Gift (Book 2 of the Dream-Walker)

The Assassins Gift: Xander Davidson struggles with the conspiracy of his family and the group that is actively trying to manipulate him to join them or die. The young Dream Walkers learns an early lesson to be careful about whom they let into their circle.


Warriors of Perception (Book 3 of the Dream-Walker)

Warriors of Perception: Xander Davidson and his band of friends embark on a mission to free themselves from their oppressors. They bravely face the challenge all the while vying for the right moment to turn the tables.

Jace Lee The Shift (Book 4 of the Dream-Walker)

Jace Lee The Shift: We find a new apprentice, Adam, that is fighting for his life. He is struggling to understand the amazing skills of his mentor, Jace Lee; a younger man that has trained under Xander Davidson. All the while his mentor attempts to reconcile the fact that his skills do not match up with the other Dream Walkers.


Jace Lee No Agenda (Dream Walker Book 5)

Jace Lee No Agenda: Jace Lee attempts to find himself on a self-imposed vision quest of sorts. Instead he finds himself being stalked by the same group that had previously sought after his teacher, (Xander Davidson). Instead of mastering his odd Dream Walking skills he finds love and the potential loss of his powers.

Jace Lee and the Tutelage of Ming Wu: Dream Walker 6 

Jace Lee The Tutelage of Ming Wu: Jace Lee rejoins his teacher Xander Davidson as they cope with a possible combined threat (the mysterious), Ming Wu and the Council that has continuously monitored the Dream Walkers.