Lineage
| O’Sensei Robert A. Trias Father of Karate-Do in America (Deceased- 1989) |
Sensei John H. Venson (Deceased- 1993) | Hanshi James A. Jones |
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In any Martial Arts school, the most commonly asked question probably is, "How long does it take to get a Black Belt?” There is no universal answer to this question because different schools have different systems and expectations. However, how quickly the student can learn and apply the teachings probably have the greatest impact on the time frame needed to reach Black Belt level.
How do you obtain a Black Belt? You find a competent instructor and a good school, begin training, and work hard. It is not easy, but it's worth it. It may take one year; it may take ten years; or you may never achieve it. When you come to realize that the Black Belt is not as important as the practice itself, you are probably approaching Black Belt level. When you realize that no matter how long or how hard you train, there is a lifetime of study and practice ahead of you, you are probably getting close to a Black Belt.
At Just For Kicks, the level of proficiency students are required to show to obtain a Black Belt is EXTREMELY HIGH. This is not limited solely to Martial Arts knowledge and technique, but all of the ‘lessons of life’ which are taught as well. This is due to Master John Venson’s demand of EXCELLENCE.
Master John Venson has a history of being involved with the ‘Best of the Best’. From his days of belonging to an U.S. Marines Elite Special Forces Unit, to his membership in the oldest and most respected undergraduate honors organization in the United States, Phi Beta Kappa, his views on excellence are demonstrated in his teachings. This is probably why ‘tears of joy’ are a standard part of every Black Belt promotion ceremony.
Master John Venson teaches all of his students what it means to be a Black Belt. Some of these lessons include training hard; being humble; not showing off; not complaining about any task; and doing your best in everything in your life. He explains what students wear around their waist is simply a piece of merchandise purchased for a few dollars in a Martial Arts supply store, and that the real Black Belt, worn by a real Black Belt holder, is the White Belt of a beginner, turned Black by the color of the blood and sweat of hard work.
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