20. The Black Belt Oath (Part 3 of 3)

Master's Message children's class discussion topic of the week.

Black Belt Oath (Paragraph 3 of 3)

I further pledge, with humility and gratitude,

to continue my mental, physical, and spiritual growth to the highest level, to lead by example,

and to share my earned knowledge throughout the academy of Cobra.

Humility - As martial arts students reach high and powerful levels of skill such as black belt, we must also work on humility at the same time.

Humility is knowing both your strengths and your weaknesses, and not thinking or acting like you are better than anyone else because you are a black belt. A true black belt is humble and treats others with kindness and respect and should not use their belt rank or skill to take advantage of others.

The black belt oath reminds us to stay humble and to realise that black belt is ‘the end of basic training and the beginning of advanced training’. Additionally, most people don't like show-offs who think and act like they are better than everyone else.

Gratitude - Be thankful to your parents and instructors, for giving you the opportunity to train at the best family martial arts school in WA. There are many kids who want to train at Cobra but are not able to.

We will continue our training at Cobra Martial Arts to the highest level, or at least until we have mastered it, which is the Master’s level of 4th dan black belt. Regardless, we should practice the healthy physical, mental and spiritual teachings of Cobra Martial Arts forever as a way of life.

When we are black belts, lower belt level students look up to us a role models and leaders and we must lead by example, as many will follow our advice and behavior whether it's good or bad.

Lastly, a black belt has 5 years of martial arts knowledge. Don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with lower-level students. You could ask about becoming a volunteer assistant instructor for the younger kid's classes to make the best use of your knowledge and to help you with your confidence and communication skills.