A Black Belt Attitude

This September’s test will be a special test at Kajukenbo Arizona. The testers have worked hard and have learned the techniques, and gained an attitude that will allow them to advance to the next belt level. While all of our testers are special, this time we have three unique ones. In particular, we have three black belt testers. Each of them represents Kajukenbo Arizona in a different way.

“A black belt is nothing more than a belt that goes around 

your waist. Being a black belt is a state of mind 

and attitude.” –Rick English.

As I was thinking about the black belt testers, I came to a realization that each of them exudes the black belt attitude long before their black belt test. The mindset of a black belt is a “Just do it, no quit, do it right” attitude.

“Black Belt Excellence. 

Every Day in Every Way.” 

We say that at Kaju AZ and all students can and should make this a part of their individual attitudes.

A black belt attitude just does it (to borrow a famous product slogan). When faced with a challenge, a person with a black belt attitude doesn’t freeze up and try to find away out - they find a way over! Just do It is more than a catchy slogan; it’s a call to action. You will never finish if you haven’t started!

A black belt attitude never gives up. When doing anything, giving up can cause your mindset to become weakened. Each time you quit something important, it becomes easier to quit the next important task. Eventually, it becomes a way of life. A” No-Quit” attitude is a black belt expectation and is only achieved through continuous practice. No-Quit requires all the Black Belt principles: Courage, Honesty, Respect, Integrity, Self Control and Loyalty.

A black belt attitude does 

things the right way! 

Excellence is a key ingredient in a Black Belt’s attitude. A casual attitude, a sloppy technique, doing something halfway and calling it good enough; these are not the hallmarks of a Black Belt. A Black Belt cares about the results of all their actions and is aware that all actions represent themselves, their mentors, teachers and family. Every one of us represents our parent’s upbringing and our mentors that have coached us along the road of life. Honor them by making sure all our actions are performed in excellence.

While each journey to black belt is unique, a black belt attitude is a common thread.  It binds us together as Ohana and allows us to carry forward the legacy that has been so lovingly bestowed upon us…a hard-fought legacy that we are honored to continue at Kaju AZ.

Congratulations testers! All of us, white to black, testing or not, will be rooting, cheering, and thinking about how we can improve our Black Belt Attitude!

- Sigung Kelly Corder