Looking for a GREAT black belt ceremony

Discussion in 'General Martial Arts Discussion' started by Chazz, Jun 28, 2008.

  1. Chazz

    Chazz Keepin it kickin TKD style

    in 2 months i have 2 students getting their black belts. This is my schools first black belts and im looking for a killer black belt ceremony to have for them. I want something that they will love and will always remember. so any and ALL idea will help.
     
  2. kingpa

    kingpa Valued Member

    It is fantastic when your school gets its first black belts, and yes It would be great to do something special. How about you find an awesome seminar with a well known high graded instructor and ask for it to be presented there,
     
  3. koyo

    koyo Passed away, but always remembered. RIP.

    I always give them the black belt I have been wearing or a weapon (wooden) that I have been using.

    Don't worry too much they shall be so high that it is certain to be a great night.

    My students recently organise a night out for me and I was presented with a beautifull piece of calligraphy. It say beginner's mind. That was a great gift.

    Congratulations koyo

    A book signed by the rest of the students.??
     

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    Last edited: Jun 28, 2008
  4. Chazz

    Chazz Keepin it kickin TKD style

    IM lookin for some kind of graduation ceremony i dont know really how to explain it
     
  5. Bruce W Sims

    Bruce W Sims Banned Banned

    What a great idea, Chazz!!

    I think the only issue you will run into is that such occasions are very much "write-your-own-vows"-sort of things and usually reflect the nature of the school or kwan involved. For instance, one of those more Fundamentalist Christian sorts of schools might have overtones from their faith while a more social kwan might make it more of a social experience with a dinner out for the group. See what I mean? If you are seeking some special ritual associated with getting one's BB as reflected in, say, the Korean culture, I'm afraid the same thing holds true there. In the rural areas where the Shamanistic and Animistic underpinnings are still part of the culture I am sure there might be these overtones. Certainly a temple school such as the SON monasteries might have something special associated with their religious practices. But in the urban areas, my guess is that getting one's BB would have some of the more subtle recognitions such as were mentioned earlier.

    Now if you were looking for material to use in organizing a meaningful activity there are some bits that I can recommend. I think my only concern might be not to make things too contrived, if you know what I mean. Does this help?

    Best Wishes,

    Bruce
     
  6. pauli

    pauli mr guillotine

    hand them the belts and celebrate with the hardest training session on record. make sure they've earned the things.
     
  7. Squerlli

    Squerlli Banned Banned

    Give them the belt and take them out drinking.

    If they're 18 or something then take em to a hookah bar and chill.

    If they're younger then something is seriously wrong.

    It's just a belt, make em earn it in class and find somewhere they can go to have fun.
     
  8. ap Oweyn

    ap Oweyn Ret. Supporter

    Hey Chazz,

    Nothing to add to your original question, I'm afraid. But it's great to hear that you're still teaching. How's things been going?


    Stuart
     
  9. old palden

    old palden Valued Member

    coke and whores
     
  10. Squerlli

    Squerlli Banned Banned

    YES!

    They'll remember that, I garuntee you.
     
  11. estranged13

    estranged13 ex video game freak

    i vote the "you don't know or understand anything" speech. At cho dan was about the best thing that could of happened to me.

    i was like "what, I'm a beginner NOW? oh crap i got to train a lot more and a lot harder now"

    oh and the trad ceremony the instructor ties the belt on the student for the 1st time symbolizing the transfer of knowledge, but honestly the bigger deal you make out of it the more likely you'll have the majority of ppl get their 1st dan then drop out because they think they've accomplished everything
     
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2008
  12. Moi

    Moi Warriors live forever x

    Just remember that if you pay out for this one it'll be expected. Don't start anything you can't afford or are unable to continue for future black belts.
    My son's instructor used to have thier belts embroidered with their names, that was nice.
     
  13. Thomas

    Thomas Combat Hapkido/Taekwondo

    To be honest, I like the way we do it - each recipient is called up and their certificate is read then the master instructor ties the new belt on them and congratulates them. When everyone has been promoted, the master instructor then tells them to put the certificates away, get back in ranks and runs a hard class, usually something to get the new belts sweated through!

    Generally we go to dinner afterwards as a group.

    In another school I remember, the promotion ceremonies got longer and longer and eventually ended up as a night where students would show up, get promoted and then spend classtime eating cake and ice cream. I juts can't stand giving up class time for stuff like that, I'd rather have a quick promotion and a great class!

    Good luck in whatever you do and sincere congratulations!!!!!!!
     
  14. Squerlli

    Squerlli Banned Banned

    Hapkido sounds very enticing now. And delicious.

    Can I has cake?
     
  15. wayneshin

    wayneshin Valued Member

    I don't normally post here but you didn't seem to get much meaningful response.
    We do ours after the grading in the evening. We set up an aisle with candles either side. Current Black Belts will walk down the aisle and wait at the front. All others students lining either side of the candles. Meditation style music playing. The Black Belt candidate will then be escorted down the aisle by his/her Instructor and presented to the Black belts with words along the lines of 'I present John Smith for acceptance blah blah.' The Belt will be presented. The candidate is slapped gently with it to demonstrate humility. The candidate will then tie their blet to the last knot with the Instructor completing the knot. The student will turn and face the students and recite our pledge. It is to the effect of contionuous improvement. They will then take their place with the other Black Belts.

    cheers

    W
     
  16. Squerlli

    Squerlli Banned Banned

    You do Tae Kwon Doe don't you? Or wait, is it Ke_po?
     
  17. Semper Fi

    Semper Fi Valued Member

    It was sounding pretty good till the part where you get slapped with the belt... =) J/K. That's a pretty nice ceremony.
     
  18. wayneshin

    wayneshin Valued Member

    The slap with the belt is symbolism only. In reality it is nothing more than a touch on the cheeck.
    BTW - Karate.
     
  19. Squerlli

    Squerlli Banned Banned

    Shotokan right?
     
  20. Moi

    Moi Warriors live forever x

    It's only missing naked virgins and a sacrifice and I'm sold :yeleyes:
     

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