It can be pretty confusing to figure out who's who. So, we decided to cut through the noise by asking some of the most respected black belts from various generations to share their criteria for what truly makes a Master in Martial Arts.
Mike Stone
I was asked to share my opinions, definitions, and qualities I would seek, which are required for a black belt and a master's. The difference between a black belt and a master may vary significantly in the length of training, abilities, skills, and talents. The most important differences are wisdom, experience, time, and chosen lifestyle. A black belt may pursue their training and interest in the martial arts, but I believe a master would have chosen martial arts his life. By his life, I mean a master would approach his life and martial arts training 24/7. A master would include the three aspects of his humanity in living his daily life experiences. In contrast, a Black belt would be satisfied with teaching karate.
John Sepulveda
I believe a master goes beyond the physical aspect of achieving a Black Belt or any rank. It is more about a strong character emphasizing respect, honor, integrity and leadership skills.
Simon Rhee
My definition of a master is a person who spends most of his life dedicated to still learning and teaching his specific style of martial art to others . To simply put it, a Master is like a professor at a college level.
Ron Van Clief
The definition of a master is the continuation of 10,000 hrs in training.
The term master is overused. Mastery of the self and technical application is a lifetime occupation. My martial arts training started 65 yrs ago with Moses Powell at the St John's community center in Brooklyn, New York. I have never referred to myself as a master. I am a student and lifetime practitioner.
Rank is not important to me. 13 yrs ago I put my red belt away and put on a white belt to study Relson Gracie Jiujitsu. Learning is a lifelong process that should never stop.
To master yourself is the objective of martial arts. To create a better version of yourself. To become the best person you can become.
Ricardo Liborio
A Master of Martial Arts is an individual who has achieved a high level of proficiency in both the technical skills and philosophical knowledge of martial arts. Beyond physical prowess, they embody the mental attributes of focus, discipline, and perseverance. They demonstrate humility and possess strong leadership qualities. A true master exhibits emotional intelligence, empathy, and a generous personality, consistently striving to support and uplift others within and outside the martial arts community.
Jeff Smith
To receive the rank of Master level Black belt should require at least a rank of 5th Degree level and at least 18-20 years of martial arts training having passed the other levels of 1st-4th degree black belt in the appropriate time required in their style. They should have also been teaching and developing black belts under them and sharing their knowledge with the beginner, intermediate, advanced, and other lower-ranking black belts.
Too many people have been awarded higher levels of Master and Grandmaster black belts without having put in the appropriate time or training in Martial Arts. It’s not the belt you wear but the knowledge, technique, and everything you have contributed to the betterment of the Martial Arts and the continued training weekly and sharing that knowledge with other students and black belts that really make you a Master or Grandmaster!
Bram Frank
It's a position and title that's sought by many, given to a few, and held as proof of being more than the average black belt. The title has the connotation of years of experience and knowledge.
Being a Master of the martial arts is the next step after becoming a BLACK BELT. You can finally use all the basic skills and teach those skills to others. The information of learning has become knowledge and morphed into EXPERIENCE.
You no longer copy moves and techniques: you use, innovative, and translate those moves into novel and unique ways and expressions of those moves. You've mastered the ways of martial arts that you can USE it without thinking it out beforehand. Simple words have become a vibrant language. Being a Master of Martial arts is being able to use, express, and demonstrate to others the fluid language of being a true martial artist. It's like being a master craftsman: martial arts are the craft of your soul and WHO you are.
Herb Perez
A modern-day master in Taekwondo transcends the black belt and embodies a harmonious blend of technical expertise, unwavering discipline, and deep respect for the art's traditions and philosophy. They embrace challenges with humility, understanding that every experience, win or lose, is an opportunity for learning. Their mastery extends beyond personal achievement, encompassing a responsibility to inspire and uplift others, fostering a community where respect, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence thrive. They are not just practitioners, but living embodiments of Taekwondo's values, leaving a legacy that resonates far beyond the dojang.
KC Jones
A martial arts master is an individual who has dedicated many years to training in their chosen discipline, demonstrating exceptional proficiency, knowledge, and skill. The title of “master” is an honor that does not necessarily correspond to a specific rank or belt color. Instead, it signifies a revered and distinguished status within the martial arts community. A master adheres to rigorous practice routines, showing unwavering commitment and consistency. Their discipline extends beyond physical training to encompass mental fortitude and self-control.
Tom Callahan
Being called a master is a heavy burden for one who follows the principles of Budo. It requires a deeper understanding of the art. A master must not only excel in their physical abilities and techniques (or must have done so in their younger years if older) but also be an exemplary instructor, capable of transmitting the art’s knowledge on a profound level.
A master’s devotion to the art defines their character and informs their life choices. This commitment spans many years and stems from a place of love. Through this deep and prolonged dedication, mastery is achieved.
Jian Lee
A master is more than an embodiment of personal technical skill. They take what they know and are always looking for further innovation. Their mastery is not only for personal use but to help cultivate strong training environments where others learn and grow. Masters serve as mentors who help guide the next generation of martial artists.
Graciela Casillas
A martial arts master is defined not solely by their exceptional technical expertise and combat skills but by their embodiment of the core principles and philosophies of their art. This mastery reflects a deep understanding and internalization of techniques, discipline, and the underlying spirit of the martial arts. A true master demonstrates wisdom, patience, and humility, serving as a guide and mentor to others. They inspire through their actions, fostering respect, integrity, and a commitment to continuous learning. Their influence extends beyond physical training, as they impart valuable life lessons and ethical values, shaping the character and spirit of their students and contributing to the broader community.
Harinder Singh
A master is someone who knows who they are, why they are here, and that they belong to something greater than themselves. They are humble explorers on the path of self-discovery, honest self-expression, and the never-ending pursuit of mastery. Mastery is not a result, a destination, or a title, rather it is the constant change and transformation of the being. It is the art of freeing yourself from fear and doubt, so you can live wholly and totally in this moment, and from this place be able to create, connect, and adapt in any situation and circumstance.
Driven by humility, openness, and detachment from results they are ready to explore, discover, learn, grow, and create. They know that the greatest enemy is within and that the service of others
is the ultimate objective.