I want to discuss the journey from beginner to master and back to beginner once again. 

Martial Arts Training - Beginner Level

The beginning stages of learning, or White Belt if you prefer is the stepping stone for all else. This is the place that a good teacher either reaches the student, or loses them right of the bat. And it is also a dangerous place. There is the risk that once a student learns a few strikes, kicks and block they believe they are enlightened. 

You see this especially in sport as the student wins some "fights" and think they are now tough guys and have arrived. Back in the day when my school did complete I used to deal with students who became arrogant very quickly. Eventually in the modern era I realized there was NO benefit to the student completing. In fact it was counter productive. So we stopped. 

Martial Arts Training - Jutsu Level

What is the Jutsu Level? This is basically at or near the Black Belt level. It will vary depending on the student. And if I am truthful most students never get past the Jutsu Level. And the reason is they cannot get their egos past the physical. They think hitting harder, kicking higher, moving faster is the goal. The student is now very proficient in Kata, Waza and Kumite, but are blind to the idea that there is more.

It is here that many students will leave the teacher and open their own school. Doing so with the idea that they can do a better job. I know, I was like this myself in 1999 at 4th Dan Black Belt. I was sure I knew everything. Soon I discovered I was just beginning. Business wise I was fine. Martial Art wise I was still only starting.

Some will be successful, some will fail. Most do not get past this Level of Martial Arts Training. And that is OK. Others at the Jutsu Level will stop training and retire to Pizza Hut to talk about their glory days. 

I have over the years had some outstanding Black Belt students. But very few got beyond this level. Some were close. But the last few years decided to fall back. Always sad to see someone stop training. Benefits of training stop when training stops. 

Martial Arts Training - Beyond

I have no name for this final level. And I do not want to use the word master here either. Master is rank related. And I know masters who are excellent martial artists have not progressed beyond Jutsu.

But lets' breakdown the journey. 

1) Beginners. This is the BODY level. Where the student learns movement, the foundation.

2) Jutsu Level or Mind to Body level. The student has developed the mind to control the body. Most end here. As the body ages they become frustrated that it will not perform as it once did. So living in the past becomes their refuge. I have seen high ranking Black Belt masters stuck here.

3) High Level. As I said I have no name for this level. But the student realizes they are always a student. And that this is not just a Mind to Body connection, but a mind to spirit connection. A state of calmness develops as the ego dies off. 

Movement is just movement. Winning is meaningless. Unconscious thoughts give birth to techniques which are discarded as quickly as they are born. Inner calm develops. 

Martial Arts Training in Conclusion

I believe in our trouble world this is a path back from the brink of destruction. No one person can change the world. But when one person changes themselves, and then inspires another to change, then the world becomes better. 

Thank you for reading Martial Arts Training.

Thank you for taking time to read this article called Martial Arts Training. I hope f nothing else it encourages you to train harder, learn more and realize the path of Budo is for life.

Thank you for your time and have a wonderful day! Keep Learning!

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