Receiving a black belt in any martial art- is an honor. Let’s examine the various ones you can get- and which ones are most valuable.
Reaching such a state- is challenging. Consequently, if you’re willing to pursue that- there’s a long journey ahead. Thus choosing the appropriate martial art- most suitable for you is crucial.
Jiu-Jitsu is the best black belt in martial arts one can achieve- for two primary reasons. First, it takes plenty of time to reach- and therefore, you’ll need to invest plenty of time and effort. Secondly, learning the basics of Jiu-Jitsu- is incredibly challenging and demanding.
I’ll note that every fighting style is valuable. Because of that, mastering it is an incredible honor. Thus don’t choose one to learn by that metric. Instead, understand that every black belt and martial art hold similar values and virtue. Let’s dive in.
| Martial art | Years until black belt (Average) |
|---|---|
| Muay-Thai | 10 |
| Kung fu | 6 |
| Judo | 7 |
| Karate | 5 |
| Jiu-Jitsu | 3-4 |
5. Muay-Thai
If you desire to become a solid fighter, choosing a martial art- suitable for that- is wise. For instance, you shouldn’t pick Tai Chi, as it’s not as effective for combat. If that’s you, Muay-Thai may be a practical and appropriate choice.
Muay-Thai is a martial art that incorporates kicking, striking, elbowing, and grappling to overcome diverse dangerous situations. As a result, practicing it- will make you a solid fighter. Additionally, it has a dynamic nature, and therefore, it’s highly effective.
Muay-Thai’s ranking system is somewhat odd. Some schools don’t incorporate the traditional belts system. Because of that, I’ll discuss this section regarding the schools with the classic black belt method.
If you reach the highest status in Muay-Thai, you know to fight. In addition, you invested endless effort and time into that. Because of that, it’s an incredible honor to wear such a belt.
I never studied Muay-Thai- and I may regret it since it’s practical. For that reason, there isn’t a single part in my body that’ll tell you otherwise. I encourage everyone to consider Muay-Thai- no matter your goals from doing martial arts.
You’ll experience various mental and physical benefits. For instance, it’s an intense workout. Thus you’ll better your physical condition- by doing it. Additionally, you’ll learn to fight. As a result, your confidence and self-esteem will increase.
If you want to read more about the research behind my sayings, follow the link to a piece of research- about the self-esteem and confidence in martial arts trainees.
Why is it a valuable black belt?
Overall, knowing Muay-Thai- is valuable because of the techniques you’ll learn. On the other hand, Qigong won’t teach you similar pursuits as Muay-Thai. You’ll master various striking movements, kicking, and even grappling.
If you reached the highest rank in Muay-Thai, you’re solid in these techniques. As a result, you know to fight appropriately. Thus you’re familiar with self-defense, getting hit, and your mental health is most likely stable. You’ll gain all of these while practicing most fighting styles.
How long will it take to achieve this black belt?
Mastering Muay-Thai is no easy task and can take up to 10-years. As a result, you’ll have to invest plenty of discipline and time. By reaching a black belt in Muay-Thai, you became a solid fighter. Lastly, if you dedicate your life to it, you may shorten the period to achieve the highest status.
4. Kung fu
Getting a black belt in traditional martial arts- is one of the more challenging missions one can pursue. Now, Kung fu is one of these. It provides the trainee with plenty of benefits and positive results. Therefore, learning it- is wise.
Kung fu is a martial art that involves various kicking, grappling, striking, and other techniques. Consequently, you’ll become a solid- capable fighter- by doing it. For instance, if you know to kick and grapple, overcoming street fights- becomes more manageable.
Today, one of the more widespread martial arts groups worldwide- is the Shaolin monks. If you’re unfamiliar with them, you must be living under a rock. They’re this magnificent group of individuals that live without any modern technologies.
Instead, they dedicate their lives to various traditions. For instance, the Shaolin monks learn Kung fu for most of their lives. Additionally, they go through brutal training and many hours of meditation. Thus they reduce their stress and become incredible fighters.
I have done Kung fu for a prolonged period now. Because of that, I know what to expect from training and the timeline of the benefits. Because of that, I write this section with complete confidence- regarding the martial art.
I wrote a complete guide on doing martial arts at home. Kung fu is incredibly effortless to do so- and therefore, I recommend following the link. That’s how I began practicing Kung fu at home– and it changed my life.
Why is it a valuable black belt?
Kung fu is a traditional martial art. Because of that, many have mastered it- by now. If you want to join these groups of successful individuals- you’ll enjoy respect from most fighting practitioners. Because of that, achieving such a state- is incredible.
Getting a black belt in Kung fu is a great honor because it’s a traditional and practical martial art. As a result, one can achieve incredible feats- mastering it. For instance, if you know the combat techniques- inside out, you’ll be capable of overcoming various dangerous situations- including multiple attackers.
How long will it take to achieve this black belt?
Reaching the black belt in Kung fu can take 5-10+ years. As a result, to achieve it, one must invest plenty of time and effort in martial arts. For instance, if one were to dedicate his complete life to Kung fu, he may master the style after 5-8 years.
Because of that timeline, one may wonder- is it worth it? Genuinely, I invested many years in fighting and combat, in general. As a result, I can say that I was lucky to have found it. However, one may not enjoy it as much as I do.
3. Judo
Most fights end up on the ground. As a result, if you know to use that to your advantage, you’ll be solid in such situations. Thus learning to control your opponent and maneuver him- is crucial for self-defense.
Judo incorporates various grappling techniques- to pin, submit, or cleanly throw the opponent to the ground. As a result, you’ll become an expert and master this realm of fighting. Thus you’ll use that to your advantage in the sport itself or in dangerous situations, such as street fights.
Although learning to punch and kick- can be a game-changer, knowing to throw your opponent to the ground and mastering him- is even better. Thus if you decide to learn Judo- you’ll narrow down your techniques and increase your expertise.
In all self-defense situations, you’ll be capable of using the skills that you learned in Judo to your advantage. Hence you’ll overcome them with ease.
Today, many elite UFC fighters use Judo to dominate their opponents. If you’re capable of mastering your opponent, you’ll come out on top. As a result, their opponents aren’t ready to defend against such offenses. Because of that, they won’t protect it appropriately- which is incredible to the Judo trainees.
When you think of street fights, you picture people punching each other. However, with knowing Judo- you can skip that part and submit your opponent. As a result, you won’t face any dangers- in that sense.
Why is it a valuable black belt?
Knowing Judo- means you’re a solid fighter. You’re capable of mastering the average person without any effort. As a result, you can use that power and take full responsibility. In Judo, the sport, one can tap out. However, you’ll drop your opponents unconscious if they provide any danger.
If you master Boxing, you’re capable of knocking out an opponent with little punches. However, if you know to use Judo appropriately, you can beat anyone without any defense attempts. If you reach a technique- that’s comfortable for your knowledge, you win.
Thus learning Judo- is an incredible advantage in fighting and life.
“Data showed that judo athletes and recreational judo practitioners show above-average VO2max, improved body composition, increased bone mineral density, and bone mineral content.” (Source)
How long will it take to achieve this black belt?
On average, reaching the black belt in Judo will take 7-years. However, committed individuals may take 4-years. On the other hand, some people may only achieve such a state after 10+ years. As a result, you’ll have to dedicate plenty of time to reach such a level.
The range is broad for a simple reason. In Judo, one can achieve a black belt faster if he dedicates more hours on the mat. Thus the instructor will notice that you’re investing more effort than the average trainee. Therefore, you’ll get promoted quicker.
2. Karate
When I was a young, innocent kid, I watched Karate Kid – the movie. It got me excited, so I wanted to begin doing the same. From that point on, I was into martial arts. Because of that, I hold dear respect for this fighting style- since it’s the one that brought many people to begin practicing fighting.
Karate is a traditional martial art that incorporates various fighting movements, such as kicking, striking, grappling, and even choking. As a result, one will become a solid fighter if he decides to learn it. For instance, if you master Karate, you’ll overcome the most dangerous situations- with ease.
Today, Karate is an Olympic sport. Many people hold it to have high value in the martial arts- sports realm. As a result, some dedicate their lives to learning and studying it. Because of that, if you master this fighting style- you’re a solid- capable individual.
In training, you’ll go through various drills that resemble the traditional aspect of fighting. For instance, it’s not uncommon for black belts to practice meditation for hours. Thus they highly benefit mentally from such practices.
Karate is one of the leading, most prevalent martial arts- in today’s world. Because of that, mastering it- is a great honor. If you’re willing to invest your life learning it, there’s one hell of a journey ahead. Buckle up.
Next, you’ll notice how challenging and demanding the tests are. Therefore, we understand that reaching such a state- is one of the most selective pursuits anyone can aim to achieve.
Why is it a valuable black belt?
Karate is one of the oldest, most prevalent martial arts- today. Because of that, mastering it- is a great honor. In the UFC and many other fighting platforms, elite fighters use Karate techniques to dominate their competition. Defending such moves- is challenging.
How long will it take to achieve this black belt?
On average, achieving a black belt in Karate takes 5-years. However, the range can vary from a single year to up to 10-years. Some Karate schools have a system- designed to transform a white belt into a black belt- in a year. However, attending these is incredibly challenging.
1. Jiu-Jitsu
You’re most likely familiar with this fighting style if you read this article. Because of that, I won’t go into too many details. However, I’ll go through the crucial aspects of the martial art. If you’re not familiar with JJ, I recommend following the link to expand your knowledge.
Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that utilizes various grappling and submissions techniques to maneuver the opponent and win. Such skills are highly relevant in self-defense and fighting, in general. Because of that, if you master them, you’re a solid fighter, capable of overcoming the average martial arts trainee.
I fancy Jiu-Jitsu because of the techniques you learn in training. You’ll learn to use them to your advantage with ease. As a result, maneuvring your opponents becomes effortless.
I’ll note a study about police officers with a martial arts background and its correlation to their performance. Officers with one performed better in high stress/anxiety situations, such as arrests and raids. These findings confirm the correlation that I constantly claim exists. (Source)
I recommend following the link to read more about the study. One of the martial arts the officers learned was Jiu-Jitsu. Because of that, we understand that it’s a suitable fighting style for combat pursuits.
I encourage giving the video a watch because it perfectly demonstrates the use of Jiu-Jitsu skills in a realistic situation. You’ll notice the officer neutralizing the enemy by using such techniques- which are effective.
To summarize, Jiu-Jitsu teaches practical and valuable self-defense skills. Its focus is more on the grappling movements. However, you may learn more if you decide to learn Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Why is it a valuable black belt?
The techniques you’ll learn in JJ training- hold great value. Because of that, mastering them- equals you being a solid-capable fighter. You’ll know to maneuver your opponent while fighting on the ground or even standing up. Consequently, it’s effective.
I can’t stress how much Jiu-Jitsu, both the Brazilian and Gracie versions- are practical. Learning them- will provide enormous value to the trainee. As a result, overcoming various dangerous situations- becomes effortless.
How long will it take to achieve this black belt?
Overall, achieving a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu won’t take as much time as in other martial arts. Remember, it takes around 10-years to reach such a level in Karate.
On average, getting a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu will take 3-4 years. However, the range may vary anywhere from 2-10+ years. If you dedicate your life to it, you’ll accomplish such a goal by the 4-year mark. Doing so- is highly desirable in today’s world.
Conclusion
Martial arts are an incredible sport and activity to do. Mastering one means you’re a solid-capable fighter. Additionally, it says plenty about your mental health and capabilities. For instance, Karate trainees increased their self-esteem with training.
All martial arts have value in some way. Thus mastering them will take plenty of dedication and consistency. Because of that, most people who begin training won’t reach such a level. For instance, it may take a lifetime to accomplish a black belt in any martial art.
Here are the five most valuable and perhaps challenging black belts to get.
- Jiu-Jitsu
- Karate
- Muay-Thai
- Judo
- Kung fu