Introduction- ‘A black belt is a white belt who never gave up’
A black belt is a white belt who never gave up is a line that most martial artists have probably seen somewhere. Most likely as part of a meme on social media. It’s an idea that seems universal. The original source can (and in this case has) become lost. While re-reading the 2nd edition of Shiham Cameron Quinn’s book, “The Budo Karate of Mas Oyama”, I came across a great explanation of the phrase and the concepts behind it. I decided to share a few thoughts.
Context- What does it really mean?
Common sayings that may appear “simplistic” sometimes need a person to sit and contemplate the meaning to understand the true depth of what is being said (some might compare it to a Zen koan😉). Most martial artists have heard the phrase a black belt is a white belt who never gave up, but few stop to reflect on what it truly means. Shihan Quinn’s analysis, which I share below, is spot on.
“As a black belt, remain aware of your shortcomings at all times. The shodan is not a master yet, but if he refuses to give up, one day his consistency will be rewarded. What is the difference between the beginner and the master? A black belt is a white belt who never gave up. The master is the beginner who never gave up in his efforts to improve. Continuous efforts bring surprising rewards. Have faith in your potential, but be honest with your self-assessment. Know where you are, where you are going, and how you’ll get there. Then work to close the gap.” – (Cameron Quinn, “The Budo Karate of Mas Oyama” 2nd edition)
My Thoughts
This one paragraph sums up (in my opinion) the best advice anyone could give about earning a black belt. Too many see a black belt as the goal when it’s really only the beginning. On this journey, we need to remember the importance of being self-aware, making continuous effort, and having faith in our potential.
Shihan Quinn encourages us to be honest when it comes to examining ourselves. It almost goes without saying that an honest self-assessment comes with humility! If we do not look for our flaws then how would we ever improve? Consistency, recognizing our imperfections, and always striving for improvement, is the key to making progress. We should never get too comfortable or believe that we do not have room to get better!
Shihan Quinn reminds us that mastery is an ongoing process. The journey from white to black belt signifies progress and growth. “A black belt is a white belt who never gave up” is only part of this principle. We must remember that earning a black belt is not the final destination but only another milestone along the way. “The master is the beginner who never gave up in his efforts to improve.” reminds us that improvement is a lifetime journey. Both phrases are simple and seem obvious. But is it easy? Those of us who have been training for a while know the answer.
Shihan Cameron Quinn
Cameron Quinn’s introduction to martial arts started with Kyokushin in 1971 when he was just 12 years old. By the time he wrote “The Budo Karate of Mas Oyama”, he had spent extensive time living and training in Japan with Sosai Oyama. His fluency in Japanese led to his becoming one of Sosai’s interpreters in 1976 and led to his traveling extensively with him. He received his 3rd and 4th dan directly from Sosai Oyama. The time he was able to spend with the founder of Kyokushin, his study of various martial arts, and his studies of the Japanese language and culture all have led him to deep insights into the practice of martial arts and Kyokushin karate.
Today, Shihan Quinn is a 7th dan who has been training in Kyokushin for over 50 years. From Sosai, he learned the importance of competence in all ranges, including grappling. For those who don’t know, Sosai also earned a 4th dan in Kosen Judo (read more on the subject here). Shihan Quinn began training in BJJ in 1993 and went on to earn his black belt in BJJ.
Today in addition to teaching Kyokushin Shihan Quinn also actively teaches BJJ. He’s well known in the Kyokushin community and in demand as a guest instructor conducting seminars all over the world. In addition to having written several books, he also has a YouTube channel (which I highly recommend) full of information, training tips, ideas, and insights into martial arts. Here you can find in-depth examinations of both Kyokushin and BJJ.
The Budo Karate of Mas Oyama
After its publication in 1987, “The Budo Karate of Mas Oyama” went on to become one of the most acclaimed books ever written about Mas Oyama, his philosophy, and the history that led to the creation of Kyokushin. The book shares many valuable insights into training and the martial arts journey as well. The original has two forewords. One written by Sosai Masutatsu Oyama and the other by Shihan Bobby Lowe. I can’t think of a higher endorsement than that!
First editions are difficult to find, but fortunately, the Second Edition of “The Budo Karate of Mas Oyama” was published in 2021. The revised and expanded new edition also adds a new foreword from Sensei Dolph Lundgren. I’ve been collecting Kyokushin books since 1980 and have read virtually every book related to the subject. This is a book that every martial artist should have in their library!
If you haven’t yet purchased your copy, then click on the link above to order your copy today!
Conclusion
The truth behind the popularity of many memes is that often, there is a deep and relatable truth that speaks to people. Obviously, not everyone, but many.
“A black belt is a white belt who never gave up”, speaks to martial artists everywhere. It encapsulates the very essence of the martial arts journey. To walk the path of martial arts is a journey marked by continuous effort, self-awareness, and an unwavering commitment to improvement. What we in Kyokushin call Osu no Seishin (押忍の精神), ‘The Spirit of Osu’. A spirit that drives us to keep pushing and moving forward. The journey from white to black to mastery is not just a progression of belts but a perpetual and lifelong evolution of the self. Osu!
