How long will it take me to advance to a black in karate???

Question

I've just started karate and was wondering how long it would take me to advance to a black in karate. The school is very good and testing every two months i think and only if they feel your ready. I cycle a mile everyday, eat healthily ect and I go to 1-2 2 hour sessions every week. I practice alot outside of the sessions with friends at the same level as me. I don't care how long i take, and i don't really care about belts, it's the learning part that I care about. I was just wondering

Answer 1

If it's a school that teaches properly, depending on your skill level and dedication, it'll take you approximately 3-5 years. One or two 2 hours classes per week is not that much, so it'll take a bit on the longer side for you. Most serious martial artists train between 8 and 12 hours per week, some more.

Additionally, it's both good and refreshing to hear an American student less concerned with the color of his sash and more concerned with knowledge and technique. I hope you keep that attitude throughout your life as a martial artist.

And welcome to the fold ;)

Answer 2

It's a life long journey and you'll never Master any art. Remember that and you will always strive to be better than you were yesterday if it's truly in your heart.

Bruce Lee said, that "Belts are only good for holding your pants up."

Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, said, "He will never call himself a Master to anything. We learn until we die."

There is always a new way to perfect a technique even further. This is the true mind-set of a Warrior; knowing that there is always someone out there better keeps him/her on his best game.

Answer 3

At a good school it should take a minimum of 3 years, but that is attending almost every class offered as well as many hours spent working on your own outside of class. 4-5 years is a better figure.

Remember that traditionally Black Belt simply means that you are now a serious student and are now ready to really learn. White belt to black belt is just laying the foundation for that learning.

The journey is far more importent then the destination, and if you don't savor the journey you are missing out on a lot.

Answer 4

Well, this really varies amongst schools. A more traditional school can take anywhere from 5-10 years, but a more modern school, it could be 2-5 years. And it also depends if the instructors really feel that you are ready to advance, thats is how my school works. Just enjoy  your journey along the path to black belt, because you will learn alot, and dont get discouraged if it takes longer than expected, remember, a black belt is just a belt that goes around your waist, being a black belt is a state of mind an attitude.The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. (that is a quote by Lao Tzu)

Answer 5

Well, it's not really about the BELT it's about how well you can fend off potential attackers, BUT to answer your question... it really depends on the school and also how many colored belts your school offers. Usally it can take anywhere from 2-4 years or longer to advance to black belt. Once you get into the higher belts though, don't stop practicing though! because it takes a lot to move up once you are a higher belt and you will most likely stay at one belt level for a few tests once you get higher up there =) hope i helped

~:JeNnY:~

Answer 6

I don't think anyone can give you an exact answer. People, schools, instructors, and styles are all different.  A general guide would be 3-5 years on average. Some schools rush it while others don't.  The mind set of earning a black belt is a bad way to think of training. Black belt here in the U.S.A. means a lot to most students. The truth is that in the orient a black belt is considered to barely have begun their training. Black belt is seen as the beginning not the top.

Answer 7

It can vary depending on the school. My old school had 10  coloured belts and 2 gradings a year, so it took around 5 years if you attended every grading since you started there. You should only attend gradings if you're sure of your ability and you know the katas and karate terms you should know to advance to the next belt. You should also be confident with your moves. If you were particularly talented in my school, you were offered a double grading, but that involves knowing 2 katas and even more advanced moves.

There's no point in chasing after belts though. You'd be better taking your time to thoroughly learn what you have to at your level and being able to do it to the best of your ability. That way you can guarantee a better pass at a grading and it'll be easier to move onto the next level.

Answer 8

Don't worry about how long it will take you. The belt won't fight for you. Worry about learning everything you can about your art, from its history to what you practice now.

For example, I've been studying 14 years and I'm still a brown belt. So what? I'm learning good stuff. Focus on the same.

Answer 9

As a rule of thumb (for Americans): 10 years for a black belt in Kodokan Judo; 5 years for a black belt in karate.

Answer 10

well fisrt it depends on what types of karate you take. some generally take longer than others. but it usually takes around 3 years from white belt.