Really good Karate Black Belt holders are some of the best, toughest, and hardest leaders and trend-setters I know. They are often ambitious to the core, with incredibly high levels of stamina, and the ability to endure the most extreme of physical, mental, and emotional pressures. By the 1^st Degree Black Belt level after 3-5 years of regular training, the new expert will have overcome a myriad of challenges at all levels; from total intellectual and emotional confusion to physical injuries of various kinds and varying degrees of seriousness.

Øyvind Ask, 4 Dan Shihan; Simon Chilembo, 6 Dan Shihan

The romance and the mystic of the Karate Black Belt lies in the legend that one who wears it has defied death; he/ she will live forever because they have mastered, or are working towards mastering, the art of life protection, as well as extension. They have theoretically been taught how to kill with bare hands almost instantly, but sworn to loving life and the living.

Through the game of death encountered every training session, active Karate Black Belt holders over time become superlative teachers and mentors. They become acutely sensitive to conditions of the less fortunate, the vulnerable and the weak. Many senior Karate Black Belt holders are renowned philanthropists, freedom and social justice fighters and propagators. They are also most likely to be well-read and highly educated. Depending on age and life experience, many will also be found at some of the highest echelons in their careers and/ or professions.

To a non-oriental mind and body type, learning Karate from scratch can be an all-round daunting experience … (Continued in the book: “MACHONA BLOGS – As I See It”. Order Simon Chilembo books on Amazon)

Simon Chilembo
6 Dan Black Belt Karate Master, Independent
Oslo, Norway
August 24, 2011