This is a great question! And one that will generate as many answers as those schools/instructors in which you ask. In other words, it’s really up to the instructor. Some instructors want their students to have 7 or even 8 years of steady practice and class attendance to receive their black belt, while others require only 14-18 months of regular practice and study.
Why such a difference?
The difference in time requirements is usually directly reflected in how long it took that particular instructor to obtain their black belt. If it took the instructor 4 years, then likely that will be the required minimum for their students. This has been the way most standards in martial arts is handed down. Through the experience of the instructor. While this can be a valid way of measuring, does it mean that everyone advances at the same pace and rate? No…and that’s why we strive to treat each student individually, and grade that student on their abilities as opposed to some cookie cutter set of standards.
Another reason their may be a difference in the time it takes to achieve black belt is that martial arts schools are businesses. Yes, I know that comes as a surprise to you! Just kidding…..but it’s true that martial arts businesses make their money on students who train with them month after month, year after year. These schools fear that as soon as they promote a student to black belt, that they’ll look for another sport or activity to fill their time. Reality is however that each student should advance according to their abilities, willingness to practice, and the dedication they put forth for their martial arts training.
Finally, the time discrepancies are due to the focus of completion put on the rank of black belt. In other words, black belt isn’t the ultimate goal. The rank of black belt signifies a dedication to a particular style of martial art, and the willingness to be a life-long learner. Black belt isn’t the end of a student’s training, it’s just the beginning. We have multiple levels of black belt available through our courses so students can continue to train well past their first degree black belt if they choose.
We understand the perspective of those who want their students training for 4, 5, 6 or even 8 years to get their black belt. That may be necessary for their particular training. We’ve intentionally designed our curriculum to help our students complete their first degree black belt within 12 – 18 months. This allows adequate time to learn the skills necessary, without the redundancy of technique and boring training that leads to 80% of students dropping out before they reach their goal of Black Belt!
