Hi, my name is Missan Edwards and my husband Doug Edwards. We are the owners of ETO Martial Arts and Fitness in Kennesaw, Georgia. I'm going to give you a few tips today on becoming a black-belt. In the ancient world, when martial arts started hundreds of years ago, there was no such thing as this spectrum of multi-color belt levels. There was a master and there was a student. So at ETO, when a student comes in, we ask them "Don't ask us the question 'when do I get my black belt?'" We want them to enjoy the journey, instead of worrying about the color around their waist. Now what we can do, though, is provide tips on how that journey becomes individual and yet very pleasant for you. And our student creed is probably the best way to start. We want to achieve balance of mind, body and spirit. So when we talk about the body, that's the blood, the sweat and the tears. You know, the sweat equity that you put in on the floor itself. So it's your workout, how many times you come to class. It's your health, your diet, getting enough sleep, having respect for the body. The mind has to do with focus and the attitude. When we're looking for black belts, we're looking for someone that isn't just a street fighter, because that's not what being a black belt is all about. It's about the respect factor, and having a positive attitude and being a good example in all that you do. And then spirit, what is it about spirit? It's about respect, respect for yourself and for the world around you. And then also be able to give back to the community. So, with most martial arts styles, you have a list of physical requirements, but you also have a list of leadership requirements that you have to do and to be able to help pull others along. And if you can do that, a black belt is achievable, and it's achievable for people of all different levels, of ability.
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