From the time I take my first martial arts class, approximately how long will it take me to become a black belt?

1. Join a martial arts location.
2. Warm up and stretch before engaging in physical activity.
3. Perfect basic kicks and punches.
4. Remember poomses, katas, etc. when you learn them because they might show up on a black belt test.

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In order to achieve a black belt in Karate, one must practice for at least three years. Usually it takes about five years though if you attend two classes per week.

Absolutely. In different forms of martial arts, there are different levels for practitioners with black belt. For example, in Karate and Judo, there are 10 different ranks (dan) for someone with a black belt. So there's always room for progress.

Many styles of martial arts use a belt ranking system; however they may not all equate to the same skill level. Here are a few styles and their ranking order:

Karate - white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and black

Tae Kwon Do - white, yellow, green, blue, red and black

Judo - only uses white, brown, red and black

Kung Fu - no established belt ranking system

The color of the belt signifies the amount of knowledge you have obtained. Wearing a white/yellow belt means you know some basics - in terms of blocks, kicks and punches. You will reach a better understanding of martial arts techniques in further levels like green, blue and purple. Brown and black level students have applied learned techniques.

The black belt in a culmination of all preceding colors of training. A trainees journey is a never-ending one. Although a student has achieved a black belt, does not mean that their journey is complete. The black belt phase should be viewed as a new beginning. Keep in mind there are 10 levels within the black belt achievement.

Acquiring a black belt in martial arts will require a minimum of 900 hours of training. Keep in mind that is only to reach the first Dan level.

Every school of martial arts has a slightly different grading system; however, the most common color grading comes from the Dankyu system. From lowest to highest, belts are awarded in the following order - white, yellow, orange, green, blue brown and black.