It is always a special honor to attend another school’s Black Belt test. The students are performing at peak skill. The air is serious and focused. You, as the visitor, get to observe the martial arts style’s unique customs for graduating Black Belts. The variations are fascinating.
The art of traditional Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu (KGS) comes from Hawai’i islands and shares many traditions with Kajukenbo. These original students were born and raised in Oahu. The traditions of this community flowed into the customs and practices of their fighting arts.
Here are the traditional customs that make Karazenpo truly special:
Hawaiian Ocean Blessing
After a test or beginning training, you bring your new belt and uniform to the ocean. Soak them in the ocean water (Moana) and let the water saturate the belt and uniform. This act blesses the uniform with the spirit of the ocean, providing you with the strength of the seas. It’s a beautiful custom that is difficult to practice at schools, not on the coast.
Belt Twisting
Another custom of KGS is twisting the belt. Twisting the newly awarded belt takes some of the newnesses out of it. Usually, they come out of the wrapper and into the hands of the recently promoted student. The belts are stiff and nearly untie-able. The twisting or breaking-in of the belt signifies your efforts into training. It also represents that you are not new even though you have a new rank.
Spirit Breath
During Black Belt ceremonies, there is a custom of breathing into belts. Breathing into the belt transmits the spirit of the Testing Board into the new belt. The master or grandmaster put a bit of their knowledge into your belt. The belt (also known as obi) represents your knowledge of the art and loyalty to the school. This custom links you spiritually to the lineage of your ancestral teachers.
Awaken the Chi
Getting hit by the belt signifies the combat element of the art. It demonstrates you can take punishment and hardship. The ceremonial hit also symbolically tempers the spirit, forging your perseverance and reminding you of humility. Finally, the slap awakens the kundalini spirit of chi. This slap should enhance your chi development with further training and commitment.
The Saki Shot
Finally, newly ranked Black Belts drink a shot of saki when the Testing Board presents it. This ceremonial drink represents camaraderie–sharing a drink with your fellow students. You are now a member of the Yudansha, the school’s Black Belts. You have earned the right to represent the school because of your diligence in training and skill in techniques.
Learning martial arts is not just about fancy moves and defeating bad guys; it is also about bonding with fellow students. Traditions and customs create a bond among the students and instructors of a school or style. With shared experiences, a sense of community and family blossoms among the members. You are part of a community that wants the best from you and demands your best.
These are some of the more exciting customs found in Karazenpo go Shinjutsu. There are undoubtedly more. Does your school have a tradition? Tell us about it in the comments.
