What does having a 'Black Belt' mean?

I'm sometimes amused when I hear people doing a take on Mr Miyagi's 'Use belt to hold up trouser'.  Is it a statement aimed at being humble or modest?

I've heard other martial artists quoted saying things like 'A black belt is a 2 inch wide belt'.  While accurate in physical description, such comments belittle the effort, dedication and commitment that Karateka all around the globe make towards their progression in the art.

Being a black belt doesn't mean you're a good fighter ... and if that's your sole reason for taking up the art then something's missing from your Karate - something very important.

Being a black belt doesn't mean that you're invincible, there's always someone better than us at whatever we do.

Being a 1st Dan (1st degree) black belt doesn't mean that you're a master of anything.

Being a 1st Dan in the KUGB means that you spent about three years of your life studying Karate.  It means that you persevered, you motivated yourself and at the end of it you became an able student.

When I achieved Shodan (1st Dan) I remember feeling like a fish out of water.  There's a whole new syllabus to learn and two years of preparation in further training before I'm eligible to attempt a Nidan (2nd Dan) grading.  In addition, there are different things to learn about the syllabus that you studied in the first three years ... moves, combinations and techniques that are seen and practised from a different view point.


When you reach Shodan (get your first Black Belt), the learning begins.

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu

Karateka Profile - Lloyd Birt

Shotokan Karateka Lloyd Birt, winner of two World medals, one European medal, fifteen British medals and twenty Welsh medals, can only be described as an inspirational figure and a positive role model for our younger generation.

Lloyd Birt

Would it surprise you to know that he started training in 2003 at the age of eight; achieved Shodan (1st Dan) at the age of eleven and Nidan (2nd Dan) at the age of thirteen?  He's currently working hard towards his Sandan (3rd Dan).

Why did you start training in Shotokan Karate?
'I started participating in Karate because of being bullied at school.  My parents thought it would help develop my character and improve my confidence levels to enable me to handle my problems at school.'

Family photo (left to right)- Lloyd, Lynne, (mother), Kathryn (sister) and Stephen (father)

Have you trained in any other martial arts?
'No, Shotokan Karate is my passion and I focus all my energy into it.'

Lloyd being coached by Sensei Andy Sherry

What do you enjoy most, Kata or Kumite - and why?
'I enjoy all aspects of Karate. Kumite, Kata and Bunkai, as I believe it is important to focus on them all equally, as each aspect compliments the other. However I prefer Kata due to  my success in early years, as this success has progressed me to achieve more.'

 

Lloyd performing a Kata

When did you win your first competition?
'The first championship I won was the Kyu Grades National Championship in 2005, I won the Pee- Wee category when I was a 1st Kyu.  I was ten years old.'



What has been your most memorable moment in Shotokan Karate so far?
'My most memorable moment was when I was selected to represent Wales at the WSKA World Championships 2011 in Chicago, where I won a Silver (Cadets) and a Bronze (Junior). I felt as though all of my hard work and determination had paid off.'

Welsh and proud!

Do you have any ambitions that you'd like to share with us?
'My ambitions are to one day become World and European Champion.  Ever since WSKA (World Shotokan Karate-do Association) 2011 these have been set as my goals, having come so close to 1st position. I work so hard to be the best I can possibly be, in order to achieve my full potential. However, other ambitions include wanting to have a successful club, and at the end of my career wanting to become an ESKA (European Shotokan Karate-do Association) and WSKA Referee.'

Coach - Sensei Paul James with Lloyd

Do you follow a particular diet?
'I produce strict diet plans myself; this may be to prepare my muscles post competition or to increase my energy levels before competition.  I use the method carbohydrate loading.  I don't drink alcohol as I have learned the effects this has on the body and the impact it can have on sporting performances.'

  
Is there anything that you would like to say to the readers?
'Karate enables both children and adults to develop their character, from developing essential qualities such as discipline and respect.'



Is there anything else that you would like to add?
'Karate has enabled me to develop my fitness levels, and teaching qualities. I'm currently studying the Bsc (Hons) Sport and Physical Education Degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University (UWIC). I feel as though Karate has developed my teaching skills and confidence to pursue my career path as a Secondary School P.E Teacher.'



I'm happy to report that Sensei Lloyd Birt has opened his own Dojo.  If you'd like to train with him, please visit http://www.kugb.org/kugb-club-details.php?id=429 for more details.

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu
Meiyo SKC
www.meiyo.co.uk