April 22nd, 2006
“Virtus” is the Latin word that is variously translated as “excellence, virtue, courage,” with a rather broad range of meanings. As a classical ideal, the word refers to achievement by means of dedication, and I think it is the most telling trait of the good student. Not everyone can make an A, but everyone can make a good effort, which makes virtus an ideal within the grasp of every Martial Art student and Black Belt leader. Grading and Graduations necessarily distinguishes excellent work/practice from average, but the effort made to earn a grade is the sole property of the student. When we do our best, we not only gain knowledge and skills, we also grow stronger in mind, body, and spirit. Mastery of the testing material is achieving much more than a passing grade. It is achieving the will and desire to “become” more than we currently are. When looked at it in this light, we realize that every student has equal access to the spirit of learning. Whenever a student makes connections, asks creative questions, or uses something he or she has studied outside of the classroom, the student owns it. The most important thing learned is not on the floor, in a textbook, or an exam: it is the spirit of learning, and it will serve our students for the rest of our lives.
Black Belt leaders are always striving for personal excellence as they know that one’s personal best leads to personal victory. They take their training and their study of the discipline of the martial arts seriously. As such, they are serious students and Black Belt leaders.