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Is there something that can be done?

There should be just one set of black belt requirements and standards, not a series of requirement and standards that accommodate various ages, genders, and physical or mental abilities. When we lower standards to accommodate certain ages, genders, or levels of physical or mental abilities so everyone may attain black belt, we degrade the value of the black belt for everyone. To be awarded a black belt, a person must be able to meet or exceed all the requirements for a black belt. If the person cannot meet these requirements, it does not mean the person is not a dedicated martial artist, it just means the person does not, or cannot, meet the standards required of a black belt. They may have reached the limit of their abilities and will always remain at their current rank.

Has the prestige of the black belt been lost forever?

Regrettably, yes! There are still some schools and instructors, not so too many organizations, that still regard the black belt as a vaulted position of honor that must be preserved. They have high requirements and standards that each person must meet to attain a black belt and they do not bend them to allow lesser-qualified persons to attain a black belt. Their black belt testing is long, arduous, and only offered to a select few; and only a few make it. In these schools and organizations, the black belt still has prestige and it is still considered a major milestone in a martial artist’s life, not just another rank. These black belts realize the awesome responsibilities that come with a black belt and they behave accordingly.

However, these organization, schools, and instructors are relics of days gone by. Today, money rules! To make more money, organization, schools, and instructors make black belts available to everyone.

This will not change until our society starts collapsing and it needs someone to save it. These saviors will not come from the ranks of watered-down black belts or martial art athletes; they will come from the ranks of black belt warriors who have trained themselves physically and mental to do what it takes to survive. Then, as people see the need for true warriors, they will not accept the imposters, and the black belt will again be held in a position of high prestige.

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