A martial artist sat on his knees in front of his master. Finally, he had been given a chance to get a Black Belt. It is very rare occasion for martial artists. As a consequence of many years of hard training, they can reach the top at last.

"You must go though a final ordeal before you get the Black Belt, OK?" the master said.

"I am ready" the martial artist answered. He thought that he had to win the match once more at last.

"Now, you must answer my important question," the master said, "What is the real meaning of the Black Belt?"

The martial artist answered, "It is the end of the travel, and it is proper reward for my many years of hard training."

The master was silent. He seemed to be not satisfied the answer. After a while, he broke his silence, and said, "I can not give you the Black Belt yet, come again one year later."

After a lapse of one year, the martial artist sat on his knees in front of his master again. And the master asked him again, "What is the real meaning of the Black Belt?"

The martial artist answered, "It means excellent technique and summit of martial artists."

The master kept silent and waited for his word after that. He seemed to be not satisfied with the answer. After a while, he broke his silence, and said, "I can not give you the Black Belt yet, come again one year later."

After a lapse of one year, the martial artist sat on his knees in front of his master. The master repeated same question, "What is the real meaning of the Black Belt?"

The martial artist answered, "It is just the starting point of an endless journey and a lesson toward the higher aim."

The master said, "That is right. You are worthy of the Black Belt at last. Your training starts from now on."

It's worth mentioning that kung-fu means "Hard work" or, more specifically, "Attainment through hard work." That's what the martial arts are to me... they help me center myself, and work on my calm.

It also gives me something to share with others, although it'll be a while before I begin teaching.