Whichever martial arts, there will always be hierarchy. The most vivid idea of hierarchy in martial arts is the belt system. There might be different belt system in each martial arts but the concept of its most ancient tradition is still there. And as I wasbrowsing to different stories of Taekwondo, hoping I could have a concept for my thesis, a story from my 10 year old journal reminded me of the responsibility I carry even though I’m not practicing the art anymore. The title of the article is the title of this blog post.
The parable is not my own, it was written by Mr. Edwin Franz Arcellana, who back then was our mentor, coach, and the mind behind the More Than Medals. In between the parable are my personal notes and lessons.
The Parable of the Black Belt
There was once a martial arts student who, after years of training, felt that it was time for him to receive the black belt, the most coveted rank in his sport. When he approached his master, the old skillful and wise man looked the student straight in the eye and said, “Before granting the belt, you must pass one more test.”
“I am ready,” the young student confidently answered, expecting perhaps one final round of sparring to prove his worth.
“You must answer the most important question,” the master said, “What is the true meaning of the back belt?”
This somehow reminds me of what I’ve been facing right now. Before granting me the degree I’ve been really attaining with hard work and so much patience, I have to pass one more test. To prove to my mentors that I am worth the degree. But I just realized, what happened to my first defense last march was like this. My mentors asked me the true meaning of the black belt architecture, of being an architect, just like the master in the parable.
The student thought for a moment and then answered, “The end of my journey, a well-deserved reward for my hard work.”
The master didn’t answer, apparently waiting for more. But no more came. Dissatisfied, he spoke, “You are not yet ready for the black belt. Return in one year.”
What happened after my defense, my mentors actually told me to redo the plans, or I might consider other matters in my design problem. I have to go back next semester. Meaning, my graduation is postponed for another semester. Parents, family, and relative were already expecting that I could make it but I ended up failing them. I was in complete distress that I cried the entire two days and skipped some of my classes. It really did hurt me but I have to relearn everything. Despite all the negative feedback from almost everybody, I have to return as what my master told me.
The following year, the student anxiously knelt again in front of his master assuming that, perhaps, he had already proven to his master that he deserved the black belt. Again, the master asked the same question, “What is the true meaning of he black belt? The master still dissatisfied with the answer of the student, he again told the student to come back for another year.
The student slowly then realized that his master was trying to show him that he had a lot more to learn than sparring and skill. He had to learn about life and character. During the third year, he opened his heart to every thing that could teach him about life. He obeyed his parents, tried to understand his siblings, and listened to his school teachers.
Before he knew it, the year had already passed. With reverence and humility, he knelt before his master again.
Again the master asked, “What is the true meaning of the black belt?”
With a quiet calm that gave him the confidence and wisdom he needed for the occasion, he answered, “The black belt represents the beginning-the start of a never-ending journey of discipline, hard work, and the pursuit of an ever higher standard.”
“Yes,” his master said. “You are now ready to receive the black belt. Go! Begin your journey. Work hard and pursue your mission.”
Now heading for the final phase of the documentation, the last week of hurdle before the deadline and defense, thankful about the delay for the awaited graduation, thankful that I have to redo. Because if I did passed last time, I may not understand architecture as what I have understood now. I may not love architecture more if I passed. I may not be able to learn from the people around me if I was able to graduate. I may be boastful, I may be arrogant now. Just so much to be thankful for, and I thank my mentors in advance on how they’ve taught me (even unknowingly) the value of the profession, of the art, of life. Though a lot of emotional, physical, spiritual and sometimes psychological ups and downs.. I’m straining towards the end. I will definitely finish this race. Finishing it right.
Martial Arts (Architecture) are not about fighting and hurting (gratification and limelight), but about learning how to live. Fast-paced living and instant gratification often lead to an undisciplined and unruly life, but sports teach us perseverance, focus, and discipline.
Letters to Everyone 