First Degree
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		Expert or Novice

Probably the greatest misconceptions within the martial arts is the notion that all Black Belt holders are experts. It is understandable that those unacquainted with the martial arts might make this conclusion since these people do not think the same way as a martial artist. However, students should certainly recognize that a Black Belt is not the ultimate belt. Often, novice Black Belt holders advertise themselves as experts and eventually even convince themselves.

The first degree is a starting point. A Black Belt is only a white belt to a certain degree. The Black Belt . The student has merely finished building a foundation. This means that the black belt has learned enough to know the basics of Tae Kwon Do ; ` Now that he has mastered the alphabet, he can begin to read `. The first dan Black Belt knows his basic techniques well enough now to be able to construct some more impressive kicks and combinations that are well knwon to Tae Kwon Do . There are now years of hard work and study await him before he can even begin to consider himself an instructor or expert. That is why only a 3 rd dan Black Belt of Tae Kwon Do is considered a chief instructor and a master of Tae Kwon do is a 5 th dan.

Too many times have I seen red belts continuing their trainning in the art of Tae Kwon Do merely to acquire their black belts. Knowing the way they speak, these martial artists only want the title of Black Belt . They believe that once they get that Black Belt they are done with the sport and they can thus move on to something else. Some Black Belt will certainly advance into the expert stages. However, far too many will believe the misconception and will remain novice, mentally and technically.

The person wearing a Black Belt should do his best to demonstrate courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control, loyalty, and respect. The Black Belt should be determined to share his experience, knowledge, and his guidance towards the lower belts in a positive way of life.