Being a White Belt in Martial Arts

What is a white belt?

So you’ve taken up martial arts. First off… this is awesome! You have taken up one hell of a hobby that has so many benefits! The martial arts are not just for self-defense, they are also for exercise, community, mental and physical improvement, and a fantastic way to spend time away from everyday life. There are so many martial arts out there:

Not all martial arts have belt ranking systems, BUT everyone has to start somewhere and hence, even if not literally then metaphorically, they are a white belt. A “white belt”, for the sake of argument, is someone who is beginning to learn a martial art. You can also use the term to describe anyone learning anything, such as a “white belt” in math or a language. It is merely the beginning of a student’s journey.

In the martial arts, what should you focus on as a white belt?

1. Basics and Fundamentals

These are the foundation on which everything is built. Would you want your house built on quicksand or solid ground? The basics are your building blocks. Once you complete a solid foundation, then you can start building your home.

2. Attendance

The more classes you attend, the better you will get whether you try or not.

3. Take Notes

Especially at Impulse Martial Arts, where we study multiple martial arts like Aikido, Kempo Karate, Jujutsu, Samurai Sword, Weapons, Self-Defense and have guest instructors holding seminars in BJJ, Gun Tactics, etc, there is A LOT of information to be learned.

Record daily exercises, drills, techniques, terminology, stances, strikes, and movements. Record what is said, especially the times when you had an epiphany about something or something the instructor or fellow student said that just made sense. This will excel your training!

4. Ask Questions

Instructors love questions! Students love questions! This is how everyone grows! From a simple, “how do I do this” to challenging them on something they said or did. We’re all human and there should be logic and purpose behind everything we profess. You don’t know what you don’t know until you’re asked.

5. Curriculum

Focus on your rank requirements. There are tons of techniques to learn after white belt and they can be eye-catching. Can you learn them? YES! Should you? YES! But do you have to? NO! By the time you fulfill the curriculum for your rank level, the techniques in the following rank level will be easier to understand and remember. If you were shown every technique in the book and practiced them for a month straight, it would actually do more harm than good. It’s easy to become overwhelmed.

TOO MUCH INFORMATION TOO QUICKLY WILL INHIBIT YOUR ABILITY TO LEARN

6. Technique Over Speed or Strength

Take your time. Relax. Learn the techniques as they are designed to be learned. Get those basics down. Learn to coordinate your movements with your breath. Proper breathing and hip movement is key to Good technique.

7. Don’t Try to Reinvent the Wheel

The drills and techniques have purpose. ASK if unsure what they are. Perform them as instructed and you will get it! Not everything will make sense at first nor will they work for you. If someone else can do it, then you can too!