I have always thought that black signifies the stain of learning and experience as contrary to the pure

white color of beginner belters. A black belt in Taekwondo is a symbol of mastery and dedication in the
martial art. Earning a black belt takes years of hard work, perseverance, and commitment to the sport,
and it is an accomplishment that is highly respected within the Taekwondo community.

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that emphasizes kicking and jumping techniques, as well as hand
strikes and blocks. It is a physically and mentally demanding sport that requires a high level of discipline
and focus. The goal of Taekwondo training is to develop the physical and mental skills necessary to
defend oneself and others, as well as to promote physical fitness, flexibility, and coordination.

To earn a black belt in Taekwondo, one must first progress through the lower belt ranks, which typically
include white, yellow, blue, red, and brown; with each one having two phases like low and high. These
lower belt ranks are designed to give students a solid foundation in the basics of Taekwondo, and to
help them develop the physical and mental skills necessary to succeed at higher levels.

As students progress through the lower belt ranks, they must demonstrate their mastery of the
techniques they have learned by performing them in front of a panel of judges. These judges evaluate
the students based on their technique, power, speed, and control, and only those who meet the highest
standards are allowed to advance to the next belt rank.

Once a student reaches the rank of black belt, they must continue their training and participate in
advanced training courses in order to maintain their black belt status. Black belts are also expected to
serve as mentors and role models for lower belt students, and to help promote the growth and
development of the Taekwondo community.

The things I had described are only the most basic of understanding and most obvious path on to being
a black belter; but becoming one is on another whole story. Becoming and being a black belter is not the
same as if though one is saying that a boulder is the same as a pebble because both are made up of hard
earthly materials and minerals which makes the composition of a rock, a rock. It is clear that a boulder is
bigger in size compared to a pebble, yet both are the same. One's own skills differ, especially with black
belters and their own colleagues, or should I say other black belters. Being a black belter for me doesn't
necessarily mean that I would be in need of having the most superior status in terms of power, strength,
or flexibility. Being a black belter for me is having the right knowledge and experience that one had
gathered in ones own journey through becoming a black belter, and honing others through that
knowledge; in simple terms, a black belter would be a wiseman. In carrying, teaching, and encouraging
ones own juniors and students, a black belter could only become a true black belter through leadership
and servantship. A good leader is a good servant; in service to those who you teach and to those who
you learn from, and leading those who are in need of leadership. As the saying goes, "I would be afraid
of a lion leading a horde of sheep, rather than a sheep leading a horde of lions." The lion signifies
dignity, maturity, and intelligence, while the sheep signifies naivety, and innocence like a white belter
who just started and doesn't know one thing from another. Knowledge is the key to fruition in guiding
others, such is the only treasure in the world where no man could steal from another; experience, being
wise and becoming knowledgeable. To be able to guide others is an essential path to becoming a black
belter. To become a black belter but ignore such duties would make one cease in being a black belter. It
would have been better to stay as a lower ranked belter if one is not up to the job. I have started since I
was still a little boy, I remember when it was during my third grade that I was intrigued with such
fascinating art. I trained since then, rising through ranks, overcoming pain, and learning through it. I was
stopped for 3 years on doing the martial art because of financial problems and the ongoing surge of
covid 19 at that time; yet, since I saw my brother train at one time, I was then lured into trying
Taekwondo and giving it another chance. I have been taking taekwondo for atleast 12 or 13 years if I'm
not wrong; It was a long time for me to become a black belter, but it was all worth it in the end.

In addition to the physical and mental skills developed through Taekwondo training, black belts also
learn important life skills such as self-defense, respect, discipline, and self-confidence. These skills can
be applied to other areas of life, and many black belts find that their training in Taekwondo has had a
positive impact on their personal and professional lives.

Being a black belt in Taekwondo is a proud accomplishment that requires a great deal of hard work and
dedication. It is a testament to one's commitment to the sport, and to the development of their physical
and mental abilities. For those who have earned a black belt, it is a symbol of mastery and a source of
great personal pride.

In a conclusion formed summary, being a black belt in Taekwondo is a significant accomplishment that
requires years of hard work and dedication. It is a symbol of mastery and respect within the Taekwondo
community, and it represents the development of important physical and mental skills that can be
applied to other areas of life. Whether you are a student, a mentor, or a black belt, Taekwondo is a sport
that will challenge you physically, mentally, and emotionally, and it is an experience that will enrich your
life in countless ways.