Black Belt at Home Blog
Naturally, I have received comments about how “you can’t earn a black belt at home!!” – “this is fake” – this is “witchcraft” – “you’re a communist” for making this!! (the last 2 were a bit exaggerated…) The point is some people have closed-minds about modern day learning methods and technological advancements that have unlocked new potential. Online courses from recognized academic universities are well received and successful for students, in terms of their understanding. The same can, and does work well for martial arts home study courses. But not for all people – if one of these describes you – then you are not fit for a self-directed training like this; I would instead recommend a group class.
1. You Have a Lack of Motivation/Desire
You know who you are. How many diets have you tried? When was the last time you had a consistent workout regimen? Or maybe a consistent savings/financial plan? If you have trouble keeping yourself in line, whether from lack of motivation or desire to complete something – you will not do well in a self-director martial arts home study course.
2. You Lack Self-Discipline/You’re Lazy
If you would rather watch reality TV at night instead of practicing your martial arts curriculum on your own – you will not do well. You must make sacrifices to be a home study student – less TV, less computer, less frill — and focus on your internal growth.
3. You are Social/You Need to Be Surrounded by People
Some people are very social – to the point that they always need to be connected and with others (There is nothing wrong with this). But rather, you must know thyself, and make a good choice. If you only have fun and feel results around others – this will not work well for you, I recommend looking for a group activity.
4. You Think it Sounds Dumb
Good for you; then don’t do it. Fin.
Good idea I reckon. There are some people who cannot afford the travel cost and the time back and forth to the dojo, and need to practice at an hour to fit in with their life comittments (work, kids etc).
Ok,a dojo will produce better results ultimately, but this new technology/approach allows dedicated Karateka who want to train, a structured discipline and course with feedback, where they would be getting none otherwise, or may even not bother training at all. Great idea.
I definitely appreciate the comment! Yes, we are constantly working at improving our distance training program. Although in person training is the best way to learn anything, many students are making great progress on their own schedules, and taking advantage of technology to maintain a real feedback loop. Our goal is to help students reach their training goals, even if they are not able to come to the dojo. Thanks for reading.
I feel the same way. Technology is the future. Now nothing beats in person learning where an instructor can physically move you. But how many martial artists trash talk online learning while you tubing techniques and strategies. I’ve learned a lot on YouTube.
What I found is once you grasp the basics you can pick things up by site and make it work.
I have a background in Tang Soo Do and TKD. I’ll have my blackbelt in TKD in probably 6 months. Then I plan on finishing my Tang Soo Do training.
Given I’d be a blackbelt from a reputable lineage how can you call me a fake martial artist if I supplement with online courses to expose myself to different styles and perspectives? One of my instructors trained with cyrus washington and went to the junior Olympics for God sake.
My long term plan in to go to a real kyukoshin school to supplement my BJJ and MMA training. I don’t see how getting an online blackbelt in shotokan or something in my free time would be a bad thing.
Glad to hear another enlightened martial artist share this point of view. Distance Training works – if the students works. That is what I always say, we’d love to have you training with us in the Global Martial Arts University soon!
I am starting the Tai Chi at home course, 20 years of training TKD,Okinawa Kenpo, Tang Soo Do, Wing chun etc never made Black belt always the belt below Brown,Red I was a jumper with lots of hard sparring no pads. I’m 60 now and getting back in to it knee replacement and all. I think you can learn at home as long as you have a good foundation already and understand how to apply movement and techniques to practical self defense. Thank you Sir!
Welcome to the Tai Chi course sir! We are very glad to have you with us! 🙂