BLACK BELT PLEDGE "I hold that my time and my skill are the assets of my profession, assets which grow in value as I progress in the Art until, as a Third Degree Black Belt, I stand as a fully qualified instructor. It shall also be my responsibility to protect any student from ravenous individuals who would try to take advantage of personal weaknesses to divest the gullible into unprofitable paths, to preserve the sacred things, God, family, country, and Association, I pledge my all." -Mr. Ed Parker |
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| Obtaining expertise and mastery in any physical activity takes countless hours accumulated over many years of PRACTICE, PERSEVERANCE, and SWEAT. The same is true for the Martial Arts. Modernization and Technology has created a society where the "easy way" has replaced the "high way", where the "drive through" has replaced the "go through" and where "bigger" means "better". Unfortunately, the same is true for the martial arts. Ms. Nakanishi strives to reverse this societal trend towards mediocrity by upholding the high standards established by Mr. Parker and maintained by Mr. Chavies in the Art of American Kenpo. The Black Belt is an International symbol of EXCELLENCE and EXPERTISE. Therefore, Black Belt is an Honor to be EARNED, not something to be BOUGHT or GUARANTEED. In American Kenpo, there are 10 Degrees of Black Belt. 10th Degree in our Association is reserved out of RESPECT for Mr. Ed Parker, the Founder and Creator of our System. There are many levels in the Black Belt Rank because there are differing levels of EXPERTISE: Instructors, Professors and Masters of the Art. This emphasizes the point that Black Belt is not merely an end in and of itself (although it can be for some); but is rather a BEGINNING fo a Lifelong study - a Journey in which one can broaden one's Horizons. FAQS about BLACK BELTS |
1. CAN A CHILD BE A BLACK BELT?
In American Kenpo, we distinguish between Jr. Black Belt and Adult Black Belt. To be an Adult Black Belt, an individual
must be at least 16 years of age and meet all requirements for Adult Black Belt before he or she can earn that rank.
2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A BLACK BELT?
It is possible to get to 1st Degree Black Belt in as short as 3 - 4 years with serious study and hard, consistent
training. There is NO GUARANTEE that everyone who commences training will achieve Black Belt.
Achievement of Black Belt depends mostly upon the individual working towards it. Student’s are encouraged
to set a goal; however, a better question to ask than “How long does it take to get a Black Belt?” would be “WHAT
does it take to get a Black Belt?”. “Let time be your measurement to skill and experience.” - Mr. Ed Parker
3. OK, SO WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET A BLACK BELT?
It takes Acceptance, Desire, Determination, Commitment, Hard Work (Sweat), Serious Study, Consistent and
Steady Practice of the Art over a relatively long period of time. Moreover, there are other qualities a person
must possess to obtain an ED PARKER BLACK BELT:
"While physical skills are mandatory prerequisites for obtaining a Black Belt, a true Black Belt
is one who is expedient in his use of psychological strategy. Psychological strategy transpires
when the attitude of a Black Belt is such that his spiritual qualities overcome his physical fixations.
When a Black Belt conveys kindness instead of hate, peace instead of animosity, and uses words
instead of his fists, he is truly a Black Belt."
--Mr. Ed Parker
In American Kenpo, we distinguish between Jr. Black Belt and Adult Black Belt. To be an Adult Black Belt, an individual
must be at least 16 years of age and meet all requirements for Adult Black Belt before he or she can earn that rank.
2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A BLACK BELT?
It is possible to get to 1st Degree Black Belt in as short as 3 - 4 years with serious study and hard, consistent
training. There is NO GUARANTEE that everyone who commences training will achieve Black Belt.
Achievement of Black Belt depends mostly upon the individual working towards it. Student’s are encouraged
to set a goal; however, a better question to ask than “How long does it take to get a Black Belt?” would be “WHAT
does it take to get a Black Belt?”. “Let time be your measurement to skill and experience.” - Mr. Ed Parker
3. OK, SO WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET A BLACK BELT?
It takes Acceptance, Desire, Determination, Commitment, Hard Work (Sweat), Serious Study, Consistent and
Steady Practice of the Art over a relatively long period of time. Moreover, there are other qualities a person
must possess to obtain an ED PARKER BLACK BELT:
"While physical skills are mandatory prerequisites for obtaining a Black Belt, a true Black Belt
is one who is expedient in his use of psychological strategy. Psychological strategy transpires
when the attitude of a Black Belt is such that his spiritual qualities overcome his physical fixations.
When a Black Belt conveys kindness instead of hate, peace instead of animosity, and uses words
instead of his fists, he is truly a Black Belt."
--Mr. Ed Parker
| American Kenpo Concepts Nevada |