In my opinion, a black belt is practitioner of any martial art who has transcended the technical level and has attained a level of thought during conflict that allows for the unique expression of tactics and physical ability each of us is capable of, given the proper level of commitment and discipline.
In other words: a tactician, not a technician. This is why instinct is so important to the martial artist. Without it, he becomes bogged down in the details of his movements and their consequences, rather than on how to defeat the enemy.
An army captain, who knows the full capabilities and limits of his men without rumination, has become a kind of black belt. His mind is free to consider battle tactics, rather than if he has enough ammunition, how many wounded, where his supply lines are, or if his armor is good enough to punch through the enemy lines.
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A broken mace is still a weapon. |