Karate Kids... Ugh.

I just read a disturbing article... http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/10/08 ... topstories. If you don't want to read it, basically there's this five year old. She's in karate. Cute right? Yeah, adorable, except that they've given her a black belt. Yes a black belt at, five. I want you to think about that for a minute. This little girl probably doesn't know the full alphabet yet and they've given her a black belt. Don't get me wrong, I would have loved to start training when I was five. I just wasn't that motivated. But would I have liked to have a black belt that young? No. I didn't even want one at 22 because I didn't feel ready. To some, this article looks like a great accomplishment. Oh wow! She must be amazing! But I want to point out a few things. Martial arts in any style is not simply about punch, kick, yell. There's a huge amount of wisdom, respect and knowledge that you gain from practicing the art. By the time someone reaches black belt rank, there should be a deep respect for what they've accomplished and what it means to be a part of their style. How could a five year old possibly grasp any of that? Granted, some adults are complete tools and get black belts and swelled heads... but generally most of us are aiming for self-improvement and humility.

This particular sentence sums it all up: "Vinod says what Varsha has done in 3½ years takes most people eight years to learn". It takes eight years for most people because it requires time, effort and a hell of a lot of understanding to become a black belt. In fact, it's not just black, but all the belts that require time to process what you've learned and to respect what it means to be a particular rank. Most Sensei's will withold a certain rank, not because they think the student is physically incapable, but they feel the student just isn't ready. No doubt this little girl is talented. She had to pass testing for her rank and let me tell you, that's not easy. However, no matter your talent or knowledge, the fact of the matter is, she's five. She must weigh 50 pounds. If anyone older than, let's say, 10 attacked this little girl, could she defend herself? Maybe... or she might curl into a ball and cry for her mommy. She'd punch and there just isn't enough power in those little muscles to really do anything.

What I'm saying is; I don't think it's right to give out a rank that high to children. They may be amazing. They may be better at kata or weapons than any adult. But they lack the understanding and maturity to respect what they're doing. Plus, honestly, you could just pick her up and put her up someplace high where she couldn't get down. Hai, you be big black belt now kid! Give the kid a lower rank and have them keep it up until they're older. Then they will continue to grow in mind and body. Besides, it should never be about obtaining a certain rank in the first place. "You wear your rank in your heart, not on your belt."