About Defense Arts Academy

Welcome to the Defense Arts Academy

Training in martial arts is more than the study of fighting technique and self-defense. The study of technique is not the task of a day or of ten thousand days. It is rather the path of a lifetime. Through regular practice and sweat one may attain the first level of development. Beyond technique, however, is the cultivation of the inner person.

The exercises develop strength and flexibility of the body. Katas (forms) develop patience, concentration, and attention to detail. Rondori (sparring) develops quick reflexes, spirit, and humility. Meditation develops inner awareness and confidence. In the end, however, only by balancing all of these can one reach beyond the black belt to the true virtue of martial arts. It is a great accomplishment to reach black belt rank and an even greater accomplishment to reach beyond to the mature understanding of the self and of Defense Arts (martial arts).

Through the study of martial arts we aim to master ourselves as the first step toward mastering the world around us. We practice physical technique that helps our understanding, and leads us toward virtue. Martial art literally means military art; so like the military, it consists of different ranks. In the beginning martial art practitioners were given a white belt and told that if they washed the belt, they would wash out their acquired knowledge, hence in time they became black belts. As martial arts evolved different colors of belts were used to symbolize levels of accomplishment. If he or she was very diligent in his efforts, he could progress through the various belt colors to first Dan black belt in about 6 years. Students need to be at least the age of 16 to obtain the rank of black belt. This time period was considered necessary in order to facilitate mental growth as well as physical. After first Dan, the length of time to progress from one Dan rank to the next increased. The symbolism of rank was to parallel the growth and progression of the human life cycle. Eventually as the belt became old and frayed it again became white and worn, as is the human condition. At present some schools adhere to this traditional system of ranking and many do not. So evaluating martial arts expertise cannot be determined solely by one’s rank but more appropriately by his experience. The true spirit of the martial arts practitioner is not to acquire rank or fame and fortune, but to gain knowledge, for fame is fleeting, fortune is temporary, and only knowledge will remain. Knowledge is acquired only through experience.

Certification
Statistically, one in every ten martial art students will move before they reach the rank of black belt. A school with high standards and quality certification helps students maintain their rank should they need to transfer to another school.
 



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