Today, I am a Black Belt

Congratulations indeed.

I have trained in various styles for years, but have always refused to let my instructor test or rank me.

As an LEO, my father has seen too many ranked martial artists prosecuted for "excessive battery" when they've had to use their skills for legitimate defense.
 
Given that I'm a Google search away from having any prosecutor read The Martialist, my rank is the least of my concerns in that scenario. ;)
 
I know you are not going to like this comment but it needs to be said. Baguazhang is a very specialized art, it would be better to learn it from a baguazhang master (with direct lineage to Tung Hai-Chuan, founder of the art). BTW, because of the internal twisting of body tissue, one needs to begin the art at a very young age to reach a high level. But, you can still have some fun playing with it--a big guy your size will find it challenging.
Just my two cents.
 
WoodenChicken said:
I know you are not going to like this comment but it needs to be said. Baguazhang is a very specialized art, it would be better to learn it from a baguazhang master (with direct lineage to Tung Hai-Chuan, founder of the art). BTW, because of the internal twisting of body tissue, one needs to begin the art at a very young age to reach a high level. But, you can still have some fun playing with it--a big guy your size will find it challenging.
Just my two cents.
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Why exactly did this "need to be said"? For crying out loud, the guy passes a major milestone for anyone interested in the martial arts, someone comes out to piss in his cornflakes.

:rolleyes:
 
WoodenChicken said:
I know you are not going to like this comment but it needs to be said. Baguazhang is a very specialized art, it would be better to learn it from a baguazhang master (with direct lineage to Tung Hai-Chuan, founder of the art). BTW, because of the internal twisting of body tissue, one needs to begin the art at a very young age to reach a high level. But, you can still have some fun playing with it--a big guy your size will find it challenging.
Just my two cents.
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If any discipline of Martial Arts was easy , there wouldn't be much point in pursuing it ... The challenge is reason to pursue anything worthwhile .

Congrats Phil. Very cool
 
shaldag said:
Why exactly did this "need to be said"? For crying out loud, the guy passes a major milestone for anyone interested in the martial arts, someone comes out to piss in his cornflakes.

:rolleyes:
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It's just another form of snobbery, but you knew that.:D

Besides that, my 1911 beats his Typhoo BS every time.:p
 
Congratulations, but certificate don't hit back!
bloodsport(1).jpg


That really doesn't make sense, but when will I have an opportunity to say that again?
 
Congratulations - those ranks aren't easily earned. :thumbup: Physical ability is one thing - having the character to keep going, that's more important IMHO.

thx - cpr
 
Tell you what. Everyone that can grab Phil and not get the shit beaten out of them, throw him under the bus. Just kidding, congrats on the milestone.
 
Do they really award a black belt? If so, that is a shame that another art would be polluted by all that is retarded in the Japanese systems.
 
Velly good, grasshopper. Now you gain true wisdom.



"Avoid, rather than check. Check, rather than hurt. Hurt, rather than maim. Maim, rather than kill. For all life is precious, nor can any be replaced."
 
zenheretic said:
Do they really award a black belt? If so, that is a shame that another art would be polluted by all that is retarded in the Japanese systems.
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No, actually, it's a black sash. But in reality, since we use no uniforms or other trappings, what I get is a certificate that establishes my rank is legitimate. If I want a black sash or a black belt I am supposed to go out and buy one if it makes me happy.
 
I still sort-of regret not staying in TKD long enough to get my 1st Dan... I had a brown, and really could have taken the test at almost any time. The guy who ran the place wanted another "mature" individual to help him teach.
However, my police schedule made it very difficult, and also TKD was at that time going almost entirely competition-oriented.
I wasn't interested in competition, and turned to more "practical" arts.

Glad I did, actually, seeing how TKD competition is conducted these days.
 
Sharp Phil said:
No, actually, it's a black sash. But in reality, since we use no uniforms or other trappings, what I get is a certificate that establishes my rank is legitimate. If I want a black sash or a black belt I am supposed to go out and buy one if it makes me happy.
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When I received my black belt (in Shotokan Karate) many years ago, it was actually a belt (wrap). I didn't have to buy it as my sensi awarded it to me after a tournament I compteted in.
 
I actually already own a kuro-obi that I bought through a martial arts supply house years ago. I've never worn it; I bought it as a reminder of a goal to work towards. It's still in my dresser drawer, but now it means something.
 
Sharp Phil said:
I actually already own a kuro-obi that I bought through a martial arts supply house years ago. I've never worn it; I bought it as a reminder of a goal to work towards. It's still in my dresser drawer, but now it means something.
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Yes, it does.

Hard work and dedication literally are their own reward, but it doesn't hurt to have a little something to look at, once in awhile, as a reminder.

Again, my congratulations. You've certainly earned it.:)
 
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