Black Belt at Home Blog
How Earning a Black Belt is the Ultimate Achievement in Life (regardless of your age)
- February 23, 2013
- Posted by: GMAU
- Category: Motivation/Mindset

The black belt is a highly coveted prize. For some, it means the glory of competing at a high level, for some it means that they have memorized all of their patterns/requirements, for some it means that they get to be an instructor and boss people around, and for the majority of martial artists – it is a physical representation of their dedication, perseverance, and willing spirit.
Earning a black belt is an incredibly difficult achievement for a reason; to give you even more feeling of accomplishment, pride, and self-worth upon completing the goal. By sticking it out class after class, getting beat down, sweating, bleeding, and doing all of this (while you also go to school, work, with family, are surrounded by tragedy) – makes you the ultimate warrior.
By earning a black belt you are proving to yourself that you can do anything that you want. Earning a black belt proves that you have:
Perseverance – you know now you can do anything you set your mind to. Maybe you want to return to college and get an advanced degree – don’t be afraid. Maybe you want to enter a new training course, or you want to take on a avenue in life – you can, and will be able to follow through.
Dedication/Consistency – Maybe before your black belt, you had trouble being consistent. You would workout a few times a week, then stop. You would eat healthy (just when you wanted), you would be of service to others sometimes, you would spend some time with your kids…you know have a deep level of dedication to all purposes and paths in your life.
Leadership – by going through it all, you can lead others through the fire. You can help others set a long term goal such as a black belt. You can get them past the lows, help them ride out the highs, and give them the same gift of long term, ultimate life achievement.
Earning a black belt is completely worth it all!
Earning a Black Belt with BLACK BELT AT HOME, home study programs:
To earn the high rank of black belt or black chevron (in Karate, Nunchakus, or Bo) is not easy. I take this program very seriously; actually, I expect even more from my home study students. Due to the fact that I am not physically present, I will evaluate you with more strict standards – but, this is only good news for you. This is because I value the representation and meaning of a black belt, and will not hand it out to anyone who wants one. I have only a handful of students who have stuck it out, pushed themselves to their limits, and earned a high rank in my programs. But you CAN do it – make a plan, be consistent, and never give up.
Wishing you the greatest success! Sensei Michael Hodge
Looking for Kenpo/Kung-Fu related home based training to earn a black belt from a recognized kenpo system I can teach myself at home and be a certififed black belt hopefully something in Kenpo Shaolin Kung Fu or Ed Parker Kenpo Karate System
Sounds excellent. Our program (Ultimate Karate) is actually a blend of Tae Kwon Do and Shotokan Karate; if you are very interested in Kenpo Karate, I just researched the web a bit – you may want to check on Larry Tatum’s home study course. And, our program has some similarities to Kenpo, you are always welcome to give it a try, and if you don’t like it, we will just give you a full refund. Take care! Sensei Michael
Thanks for writing this inspiring article, Sensei Michael. It really helped me think about what it’s going to take to become a Black Belt in your Ultimate Bo program. I’m determined!
This is great to read! I know you are going to make it…it is all about taking it one day at a time…but never forgetting why you are doing it. – Sensei Michael
I am planning on buying your Ultimate Bo program in the coming months. Ever since I was a child I have been fascinated with Martial Arts in all styles. I used watch in awe of both the masters and students show off their skills at competitions where I would go to watch my elder brother progress.
Events happened in my life and I developed depression etc and I found a loss of motivation and all things I love. I can say I have overcome many of my hardships in that regard and at 21 found my passion for learning Martial Arts reignite, the whole being able to learn and study at home at my own pace really is a blessing and I am really looking forward to starting my journey.
I hope that by putting in dedication I can one day achieve a black belt and fulfil a childhood dream.
Hi Matthew,
Thank you for your very moving comment. I applaud you for moving past depression and dusting yourself off after falling down. That is one of the most important characteristics a martial artist can have in order to succeed; and it sounds like you are already learned these things the hard way. The martial arts are really an amazing lifestyle to be a part of; as it laces together your mind, motivation, goals, fitness, physical, and fun.
I am very much looking forward to having you on as an Ultimate Bo student, and any other courses that you may want to take with us. The best to you today, and let me know how I can help you out on your journey! Kindly, Sensei Michael
I recently purchased the digital format of Ultimate Bo and I am thrilled and having so much fun with it. Hopefully soon I will be able to acquire that Yellow Chevron, I am definitely determined to achieve that Black Chevron. Thanks again, I am loving the course.
I want to get a black belt in Bo, Nunchaku, and Karate. I’m thinking about buying your different programs for these. I hope that I will get a black belt in these and maybe more martial arts.
My father told me early in life and he repeated it often, “Jon you can do anything in life if you try hard enough!” Now at age 55 and having experieince in many differnt life situations I have to say that he was in a way correct. The only person that can keep you from your dreams is you… We would be honored to help you on your martial arts journey any way we can… Happy Training and let us know if we can ever help….
I messaged you about a year ago. I recently found the Krav Maga beginner to intermediate disc set on sale and purchased it. I’m waiting on it to arrive now. What else would I need to get started and work towards earning rank? I am 44 years old and have had a lot of academies and training. I served our country and currently serve my state. Always wanted to earn a black belt. My work is demanding but moving to a midnight shift should allow me more time to work towards my goal. Thank you for your help and guidance.
Hi Brian,
Thanks for protecting our country. To officially enroll as a student in Total Krav Maga, please pay via this link: https://gumroad.com/l/VMjEK
The cost if just $50 and you are ready to go.