Black belt
'If you talk the talk, you've got to walk the walk' - Goals & Determination
19/04/12 12:48 Filed in: Other | Personal Training | Fitness | My experiences | Martial Arts | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu | Strength & Conditioning
When growing up, my parents had a certain saying: It’s better to get a B or C after trying really hard than getting an A without trying at all. That being said, I was a very good student but it showed the values that were important to them. I guess it’s in line with the saying ‘Hard Work Beats Talent’ and I couldn’t agree any more. If things go too easy for you, then you never learn determination, the satisfaction and rewards of hard work.
The point is, you have to work and you have to try hard. If you put a lot of effort and determination in something, good things will come your way. The road may not be always full of sunshine and there will be bumps in the road but nothing ever goes perfectly. This absolutely applies to training as well. If you train hard (and smart but that’s for another article), then you will see progress. If you don’t put 100% in, then don’t expect all your goals to come true.
Now that has absolutely nothing to do with performance. As a trainer, I never expect our clients to perform the same or compare them to each other. For example: I prefer much more that a person is giving a 100% lifting a 20lbs. kettle bell than the person next to him/her lifting a 50lbs. kettle bell without breaking a sweat. Everyone works at their level and gets the equipment suited for them. However, we do expect everyone to do their best and to give a 100% in their workouts, whatever their fitness level allows.
I believe in perseverance or as the saying says: ‘If you talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk’ (last saying I promise). Of course, if you don’t enjoy something it is likely that you will quit at some point which is fine! There is so much out there that enables you to choose what you really love to do. Also, you will fail at some goals in your life and that is normal. Everyone does but as long as you gave it a fair shot and put your energy into it, then there is nothing to feel bad about.
My family was always very motivating in every hobby I had but also very strict. I could not be any more appreciative for that. It taught me discipline and determination. At the same time, that is why I was able to reach my personal goals. If they didn’t bother putting rules in place and taking the time to enforce them, I would not have learned the lessons that I did. So find motivation in your training, no matter what it is, be confident and persistent. As your trainer, I will do my part as well as I can but I need to see the focus and determination in your eyes.
By Sander Vanacker, owner, head instructor and personal trainer of Define Defense Martial Arts & Personal Training.
Define Defense in Boulder, CO
- Modern Martial Arts
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & MMA
- Self Defense Classes & Workshops
- Personal Training
- Cross Training / TRX Classes
1805 11th Street Suite B
Boulder, CO 80302
(720) 340 6254
Info@DefineDefense.com
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About Modern Martial Arts & Our Curriculum
When we talk about Modern Martial Arts, many still have many questions about what style it is, what you learn etc. Our Modern Martial Arts is exactly what it sounds: a modern approach to martial arts!
Traditional martial arts are very rigid and more often than not unrealistic and ineffective. That is why we created our own program and curriculum by combining the elements that DO work and put them together. Our program includes everything from striking, kicking, armlocks and chokes standing and on the ground, takedowns, throws, self defense, weapons defense and grappling. It was our goal to step away from the one sided traditional practices which are outdated and offer something better... much better. You'll be more diverse and better skilled when you train Modern Martial Arts with us.
Only techniques that meet our standards and we believe are practical in a real situation were accepted and made it into the curriculum. Once you master our entire program, you will be a very complete martial artist because you are know what to do in all these different situations. If you combine the Modern Martial Arts with the No Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program, you will learn everything you need to know for competition and MMA. However, that is a decision you make for yourself, depending on your goals.
Our Modern Martial Arts program offers the best of many different styles, for example:
- Karate
- Muay Thai
- Krav Maga
- Japanese Ju Jutsu
- BJJ
- MMA
- Kickboxing
- ...
Not only will you be learning more effective techniques, you will also experience strength and conditioning classes, enjoy complimentary yoga classes etc. Creating our own program and curriculum makes our program and clients more open minded towards learning more skills and evolving with martial arts/self defense instead of being stuck with a firm skillset that has been the same for decades or centuries.
Underneath you can see our curriculum, which has all the belt ranks and test requirements (excluding the amount of classes needed to test).
As you see, our curriculum is very strong and well rounded. Every single attack has 3-5 self defense escapes (not shown) so you won't get stuck in a situation. Testing is not mandatory as some of our clients simply come to get in shape or to learn how to defend themselves, compete etc. Other clients do want to get higher ranks and reach that black belt. If you look through the curriculum, you will see our black belts earned it as they master a great amount of skills and also learn to be critical towards what is effective and what is not. We do NOT want to teach our clients anything that is ineffective as this gives false confidence and can put you in serious danger.
Our black belt curriculum is available to view in our facility (degrees 2-6) and includes physiology, coaching, CPR and much more.
At Define Defense, we guide our clients and teach them the best way we can to make them the best martial artist possible.
Modern Martial Arts Curriculum at Define Defense LLC.
Traditional martial arts are very rigid and more often than not unrealistic and ineffective. That is why we created our own program and curriculum by combining the elements that DO work and put them together. Our program includes everything from striking, kicking, armlocks and chokes standing and on the ground, takedowns, throws, self defense, weapons defense and grappling. It was our goal to step away from the one sided traditional practices which are outdated and offer something better... much better. You'll be more diverse and better skilled when you train Modern Martial Arts with us.
Only techniques that meet our standards and we believe are practical in a real situation were accepted and made it into the curriculum. Once you master our entire program, you will be a very complete martial artist because you are know what to do in all these different situations. If you combine the Modern Martial Arts with the No Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program, you will learn everything you need to know for competition and MMA. However, that is a decision you make for yourself, depending on your goals.
Our Modern Martial Arts program offers the best of many different styles, for example:
- Karate
- Muay Thai
- Krav Maga
- Japanese Ju Jutsu
- BJJ
- MMA
- Kickboxing
- ...
Not only will you be learning more effective techniques, you will also experience strength and conditioning classes, enjoy complimentary yoga classes etc. Creating our own program and curriculum makes our program and clients more open minded towards learning more skills and evolving with martial arts/self defense instead of being stuck with a firm skillset that has been the same for decades or centuries.
Underneath you can see our curriculum, which has all the belt ranks and test requirements (excluding the amount of classes needed to test).
As you see, our curriculum is very strong and well rounded. Every single attack has 3-5 self defense escapes (not shown) so you won't get stuck in a situation. Testing is not mandatory as some of our clients simply come to get in shape or to learn how to defend themselves, compete etc. Other clients do want to get higher ranks and reach that black belt. If you look through the curriculum, you will see our black belts earned it as they master a great amount of skills and also learn to be critical towards what is effective and what is not. We do NOT want to teach our clients anything that is ineffective as this gives false confidence and can put you in serious danger.
Our black belt curriculum is available to view in our facility (degrees 2-6) and includes physiology, coaching, CPR and much more.
At Define Defense, we guide our clients and teach them the best way we can to make them the best martial artist possible.
Modern Martial Arts Curriculum at Define Defense LLC.
Martial Arts Belt Ranks
I wanted to dedicate this post to explaining more about belt ranks in martial arts (and yes, also to show off our own belt rank system...)
For a very long time, there were no colored belt ranks in martial arts. Judo was the first art that introduced colored belts to indicate ranks. Knowing that Judo originated in the late 19th century, the colored belt rank system is a rather new development in martial arts.
Many stories have circulated about why and how the colors we use today came to be. One theory is that martial artist a long time ago did not wash their belts. This means that, the more they practiced the dirtier it became and eventually became a black belt. Fortunately this is not the case anymore since I am pretty sure some would go take a hike on the muddiest day of the year wearing their belt...
Although many people believe this theory is true, it is (most likely) not.
The most accepted explanation about colored belts is simply that martial artists in that period of time dyed their belts. Since it is much easier to dye a lighter colored belt darker than vice versa, our current increasingly darker rank colors came to existence.
After this method had been practiced in Japan, other martial arts all over the world adapted since it was a practical way to indicate ranks.
Every martial art has its own belt system with often different colors or variations. Often you will find yellow, orange, green, blue, brown etc. However in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you will find fewer levels: white, blue, purple, brown & black. This does not mean it is easier to obtain a black belt though.
Just as there are differences in belts, there are also many differences in curricula and testing as well. No martial art style and even studio is the same. Unfortunately, the popularity and commercialization has often led to lower standards and quality since some organizations give away belts without quality control. I have experienced this firsthand; let me explain.
Being a student of the Flemish Budo Federation was extremely strict and their curriculum is first class. We have several extremely professional individuals who make sure of that. For example, there are a few people who are chief instructors of the police arrest teams and special police teams. Anyway, being a student in my teenage years was a great experience. I joined national and international tournaments in which I had to compete with students of other organizations. Often, I had to compete against other individuals who were 3 belts ahead of me. Even though I had the odds against me on paper, most of the times I won. This was a clear sign to me that belts do not always matter, what matters are your skills and the quality of instruction. Since then, I realized I would rather have a lower belt and know that I am worthy than having a higher belt just to show it around and (falsely) impress people with it while being unable to protect myself and others.
With this in mind, I have created a strong curriculum with quality instruction that is achievable for everyone! We diversify within our classes and we offer a wide array of programs so nobody will miss out. Everyone will be able to advance at their own pace. I promise all off my students that they will progress quickly and be a well rounded martial artist that is worthy of his/her belt. You will never have to worry about whether you are capable enough. Every class you attend, you will be a huge step closer towards a higher rank. Our main focusses are quality, diversity, safety and providing a workout you will remember for a few days!
Take a look at our different programs as our priorities shift between all these different curricula in order to provide the best instruction for everyone. It is truly our mission to be the best in what we do!
For a very long time, there were no colored belt ranks in martial arts. Judo was the first art that introduced colored belts to indicate ranks. Knowing that Judo originated in the late 19th century, the colored belt rank system is a rather new development in martial arts.
Many stories have circulated about why and how the colors we use today came to be. One theory is that martial artist a long time ago did not wash their belts. This means that, the more they practiced the dirtier it became and eventually became a black belt. Fortunately this is not the case anymore since I am pretty sure some would go take a hike on the muddiest day of the year wearing their belt...
Although many people believe this theory is true, it is (most likely) not.
The most accepted explanation about colored belts is simply that martial artists in that period of time dyed their belts. Since it is much easier to dye a lighter colored belt darker than vice versa, our current increasingly darker rank colors came to existence.
After this method had been practiced in Japan, other martial arts all over the world adapted since it was a practical way to indicate ranks.
Every martial art has its own belt system with often different colors or variations. Often you will find yellow, orange, green, blue, brown etc. However in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you will find fewer levels: white, blue, purple, brown & black. This does not mean it is easier to obtain a black belt though.
Just as there are differences in belts, there are also many differences in curricula and testing as well. No martial art style and even studio is the same. Unfortunately, the popularity and commercialization has often led to lower standards and quality since some organizations give away belts without quality control. I have experienced this firsthand; let me explain.
Being a student of the Flemish Budo Federation was extremely strict and their curriculum is first class. We have several extremely professional individuals who make sure of that. For example, there are a few people who are chief instructors of the police arrest teams and special police teams. Anyway, being a student in my teenage years was a great experience. I joined national and international tournaments in which I had to compete with students of other organizations. Often, I had to compete against other individuals who were 3 belts ahead of me. Even though I had the odds against me on paper, most of the times I won. This was a clear sign to me that belts do not always matter, what matters are your skills and the quality of instruction. Since then, I realized I would rather have a lower belt and know that I am worthy than having a higher belt just to show it around and (falsely) impress people with it while being unable to protect myself and others.
With this in mind, I have created a strong curriculum with quality instruction that is achievable for everyone! We diversify within our classes and we offer a wide array of programs so nobody will miss out. Everyone will be able to advance at their own pace. I promise all off my students that they will progress quickly and be a well rounded martial artist that is worthy of his/her belt. You will never have to worry about whether you are capable enough. Every class you attend, you will be a huge step closer towards a higher rank. Our main focusses are quality, diversity, safety and providing a workout you will remember for a few days!
Take a look at our different programs as our priorities shift between all these different curricula in order to provide the best instruction for everyone. It is truly our mission to be the best in what we do!