Disclaimer: my point of reference here is traditional Taekwondo as that is my chosen art, however all martial arts are valid it all depends on which feels right to you.
You’ve just earned the second hardest belt you will ever put on, the white belt. And you gained admittance into the life of a martial artist.
Congratulations!
I have always said for the adult learner to embark on the journey to study traditional martial arts takes a lot of courage, drive and determination. The student who has taken that first step into the Do Jang has jumped over a huge mental hurdle (or several) to do so. I’ve been there, I started traditional Taekwondo at age fifty.
I’ve felt that inner embarrassment of putting on a white belt and having pretty much everyone be more experienced and a
higher rank than me. Many of my “peers” were young enough to be my grandchildren. Then when I started attending the adults and teens class, there were nine teenagers (all advanced or black belts) and me, the old man trying to keep up.
It wasn’t easy, but it has been worth it.
To enter the Do Jang is to get on the right path. “Do” means “way” or “right way” and Jang is place. So Do Jang is a place where we practice the way. Entering the Do Jang is more than coming into a building, it’s an invitation to the martial artist lifestyle. Putting on that white belt and making that choice is one of the hardest steps you will ever take. But after that, your life direction has changed, you are now on the right path. You are on the journey that will help you discover who you really are and what you want out of life.
“A Dojo [practice hall] is a miniature cosmos where we make contact with ourselves, dash our fears, anxieties, reactions, and habits. It is an arena of confined conflict where we confront an opponent who is not an opponent but rather a partner engaged in helping us understand ourselves more fully.” – Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams
If your desire is to simply get into shape, then you would be better served by taking up something like weight training, swimming or some form of cardio exercise.
However, if you have chosen Martial Arts, then it’s because you are probably looking for something more. It takes a greater commitment to achieve this as you will see it begins to permeate all areas of your life.
“In order to become proficient in the traditional martial arts, the practitioner must possess a tireless commitment and undying passion. He must be willing to forego leisure time activities that are often more entertaining. He must also exhibit the capacity to endure sore muscles, aching joints, and the occasional bruise or two. But above all, an abundant supply of patience is essential.” – Doug Cook, “Taekwondo- a path to excellence”
Once you have gotten on the path every step is a step toward growth, knowledge and health. It will be hard, some days you won’t want to go to class, progress will often be slow, but don’t give up!
You are on the right path, the drive that got you to put on that white belt will see you through. For more on this, check out my article “3 Rules for Surviving and Thriving Among the Young”.
I’m sure like many of us who came before you, you have your sights set on that Black Belt, and that is a worthy goal! But what you will find when you reach that monumental moment, the Black Belt is truly just the beginning. This is a lifetime pursuit, one that never ends.
“Venture into the unknown of your potential; You will surely come out the victor.” -Sang Kyu Shim, “The making of a Martial Artist”.
Keep kicking, my friend!
- Martial Arts Through The Years: An interview With Michael Robishaw - January 12, 2023
- The Life of an Adult Martial Artist: Is It Worth the Sacrifice? - June 18, 2022
- Motivation and Age: Do You Have Something “Still in the Basement”? - June 11, 2022
You say if you just want to get into shape your better off with weight training or a other cardio. I don’t know about anyone else but after I took my first class years ago I never remembered a more vigorous workout. Between the stretching, punching, kicking, it is a full body workout that you really do not know your doing until it’s over.
Exactly right Aaron! With Martial Arts training you not only get into great shape, you get so much more! And that’s the best part for me, I am so busy learning and trying to improve, I don’t realize how much work my body is really doing sometimes.