How long for black belt?

[MegaMan]

How long on average does it take for someone to achieve a black belt in karate?

Years, months?

[KarateKid]

About 3 years I think. I never did it but my brother did.
He only got to brown belt and that was nearly 3 years.

I imagine just the black belt stage can take a year on its own.

[applexcore]

what kind of things do you have to go through to get your black belt?

if you go to your local martial arts center is that a real black belt?

[nitrogen]

I don't know a lot for sure, but it will take years. You need to prove yourself, and the best way to do that would be to practice and learn as much as possible. Aren't there certain tests you need to take to move up?

[Tonic]

I believe you can get the black belt just from the martial arts centre.
I dont believe tournaments are involved in actually achieving the black belt.

Is this correct?

[Twinkle]

Usually belts are earned through a test.
You would have to stand and complete punches and kicks and your trainer on sensei, is issueing the comands. After a couple of belts a kata is called for to, this is a set sequence of punches, kicks, blocks and movements that are performed alone. After succesfully completing all these things you will be graded by your sensei on your performance, and if passed, you should be issued with your belt.
In kickboxing (what i trained in) its a little more straight forward, we only got asked to complete the punches and kicks as our trainer called them out, and some light sparing with a similar skilled student.

[Tonic]

Yes, the kata is what you have to complete perfectly to get a black belt.

I still think it shouldnt be so "easy".
They should put you up against other black belt people, see how you compare.

The way I see it, anyone can learn repetitions and get a black belt.

[Twinkle]

The kata, is really dificult to learn.
Its not just about moving in a set pattern, its about the breathing and so much more than most people think.
To award a belt purley for sparing is lunacy. I mean think about it you have a quick fight with some guy and then get your belt, or you spend 6 moths practicing the kata's, becasue you dont know which one you will be called on to perform.

If I remember correctly a friend of mine from my kickboxing class allso trains in wada ru karate (not sure about the spelling) and when he did his 2nd dan he had to perform 3 kata's from a possible 7 kata's.
He trained on all of those for months on end.

[Raven]

Wow, that sounds hard. Do you have an independant trainer to grade you, as it would seem a little bit dodgey if you were graded by your usual trainer, you would know what kata's to practice.
Also, how long are the kata's. Are they just very short afairs, or really long winded ?

[Bruce_Vann_Dumb]

Originally Posted by MegaMan

How long on average does it take for someone to achieve a black belt in karate?

Years, months?

It varies depending on the martial art and school.

In some schools you can get a black belt very quickly if your face fits