In the ITF, the rank of Seventh Degree Black Belt carries the designation "Master Instructor" since all the patterns and techniques have been learned at this stage. But while approaching the rank of Master, I still feel challenged trying to master even the most fundamental of movements.

This becomes even more apparent when attending an International Instructor Course and General Choi corrects my position. Even when training alone, I always know that the hand technique could be a little faster, or the foot position a little better. Indeed, as time passes and the pages fly off the calendar faster and faster, there is a need to spend ever more time practicing the basic techniques to maintain whatever quality I have, let alone ever hope to improve.

I rarely dwell on the past because the past is gone. I will always live in the present and prepare for the future. Yet, I cannot help but reflect on the years gone by. It is hard for me to accept that my students who are graduating college and professional schools were not even born when I began to study Taekwon-Do. There were no videotapes back then to help us review and standardize techniques, and even printed materials were very limited.

However, even with the availability of tapes and books (and now the CD-Rom), there is no substitute for the eye of an educated instructor to point out the bad habits I've fallen into, areas that could use some improvement, or tips to help training.

My ‘Dan Number' from the ITF is A-6-39. For those not familiar with the ITF numbering system, this means I am the 39th. American to have reached the rank of Sixth Degree Black Belt. (A number of the thirty eight people who reached this rank are no longer training).

So many people who were my seniors in rank have stopped training over the years. (My Fourth Dan number was A-4-1O1 and my Fifth Dan A-5-58). A few passed me up in rank because I chose to train longer to improve my technique. At the time I did this I was certain it was for the best, however there are mixed emotions when a junior in rank becomes your senior. (Those who have experienced this understand what I mean). Perhaps even more difficult to grasp is the number of Americans who have trained in this art in the last 23 or so years with the American First Dan numbers now having passed eight thousand.

I have come to realize that a rank achieved is merely a step along the way. Be it colored belt or Black Belt degree, this is merely one step that takes you further along in your journey.

Although it is nice to have your seniors, peers and your juniors acknowledge your advancement, the true achievement is to realize your journey never ends. The longevity of your experience is far less important than the depth of your experience.

Master Taekwon-Do? This can never happen. But as an instructor, and perhaps some day a Master Instructor, I hope to continue helping students along their journey as my instructors and seniors have helped me.

                                       "THE LONGEVITY OF YOUR EXPERIENCE
                                                 IS FAR LESS IMPORTANT THAN
                                               THE DEPTH OF YOUR EXPERIENCE"
CAN I EVER BE A MASTER OF TAEKWON-DO?
BY EARL WEISS, 6TH. DAN
Published in the September 1999 issue of the Human Weapon


HAVING EARNED THE RANK OF SIXTH DEGREE BLACK BELT ON APRIL 25TH. 1997 AFTER 25 YEARS IN THIS MARTIAL ART WHICH FOR SO LONG I HAVE FOUND CHALLENGING AND FASCINATING, WHICH HAS GIVEN ME GREAT PLEASURE (AND SOME PAIN), MY ATTENTION HAS TURNED TOWARD ACHIEVING THE NEXT RANK WHICH I WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR IN A FEW YEARS PROVIDED I CONTINUE TO TRAIN AND LEARN DURING THAT TIME.
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