I think that is a good answer, RD, for it is always good to question and be skeptical of "conventional wisodm." There are many sites where you can see first degree black belt referred to as a "beginning." But the sites I found were not chinese martial arts, so maybe it's more of a Japanese/Korean belief. Here are some examples:

Quote:

The term 'DAN' has been said to mean student, man, grade, and several other references to the black belt. The fact is the Japanese word 'DAN' literally translates to the English word 'STEP.' So on becoming shodan, 1^st Dan, means 'first step.' This title really tells it all. Becoming shodan does not mean that one is an expert, but that one is at the first step of understanding the real meaning of becoming a black belt.

Quote:

First degree black belt is considered the rank of a student and the true beginning of your training

Quote:

Shodan is just the beginning...the first-degree black belt is only a beginning

Quote:

As a traditional art, iaido considers the first degree black belt to be the beginning of serious training

Quote:

The following story, called "The Parable of the Black Belt," is excerpted from Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, by James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras.

Picture a martial artist kneeling before the master sensei in a ceremony to receive a hard-earned black belt. After years of relentless training, the student has finally reached a pinnacle of achievement in the discipline.

"Before granting the belt, you must pass one more test," says the sensei.

"I am ready," responds the student, expecting perhaps one final round of sparring.

"You must answer the essential question: What is the true meaning of the black belt?"

"The end of my journey," says the student. "A well-deserved reward for all my hard work."

The sensei waits for more. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, the sensei speaks. "You are not yet ready for the black belt. Return in one year."

A year later, the student kneels again in front of the sensei.

"What is the true meaning of the black belt?" asks the sensei.

"A symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our art," says the student.

The sensei says nothing for many minutes, waiting. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, he speaks. "You are still not ready for the black belt. Return in one year."

A year later, the student kneels once again in front of the sensei. And again the sensei asks: "What is the true meaning of the black belt?"

"The black belt represents the beginning -- the start of a never-ending journey of discipline, work, and the pursuit of an ever-higher standard," says the student.

"Yes. You are now ready to receive the black belt and begin your work."

But here is someone who seems to agree with RD:

Quote:

There is a fairly common misconception that anybody who has earned the rank of shodan (first degree black belt) is an expert in karate. This is generally not true. Although it is conceivable that any one particular shodan may in fact be an expert (e.g. they may have chosen not to pursue any further rank), most are not.

The majority of shodan ranked practitioners may perhaps be looked at as students who have a serious interest in karate and a good grasp of the techniques found in their particular curriculum. What those techniques are and the expectations associated with them may vary depending on the school in which the student trains. In any case, the point is that the word "shodan" does not mean expert. In fact, it means something along the lines of "first step." One way in which this is often interpreted is that achieving the rank of shodan is the beginning of one's karate training rather than the end. This does not mean that you do not need to know anything to become a shodan however. In fact, while I agree that shodan should not necessarily be seen as the end of training, I think it is unfair to label shodan-ranked students as beginners. Receiving a shodan ranking is indicative of many years of training and dedication. It is a distinguished achievement of which anyone attaining it should be proud.

=:= :=

I read this somewhere and would like some feedback about martial arts  philosophy.

What I mean is that you are considered ready to begin your path to  learning your art only once you have achieved 1st degree.

Reply]

I don't really buy that. The Black belt/sash level is where you have mastered all the basic fighting principals and concepts of your art, as well as the body structure and mechanics. You should be well versed in the core techniques, and be fully able to fight with them. In some systems, you should have also memorised the entire currciulem (minus any closed door stuff), even though you haven't mastered it yet. It's the level where you should be able to walk the path alone with nothing more than a good training partner and the manuals as far as I'm concerned. Black Belt/Sash is also the point where most start to learn how to teach the art. It can't be the beginning, and still be a level where you are qualified to begin teaching at the same time.I think those that say getting a Black belt/sash is just the beginning do so because they have nothing to really teach, and are just trying to keep you from quitting on them for a better school.