Dear Student and Parent:

    At L.I Ninjutsu Centers we pride ourselves on developing quality students in the martial arts and in life.  We believe the lessons of the martial arts are a great way to guide, enhance and develop students of any age in a positive manner.  We also believe strongly that moving from belt to belt is a very special privilege and an honor bestowed on the student by their teacher.  The rank promotion is not a right and is not expected or asked for in any way.  As a student progresses through the ranks in the martial arts each lesson is a very special gift given to them by their Sensei (instructor). This is basically the transfer of information an instructor has worked tirelessly and endlessly to acquire which is very valuable and has been passed down from generation to generation and should be treated as if they were given a priceless jewel.  If and when their instructor feels the student is ready then and only then should they be promoted.

Traditional martial arts are taught in a way that is foreign to most Westerners.  The Eastern thought process helps to develop the mind in a much more patient, analytical and responsible manor.  We are not entitled to anything until it is bestowed up us.  Always through the struggles, the frustrations, the trials and tribulations lessons are gained. If a student is only interested in achieving the next belt or the next lesson, then all lessons will eventually become meaningless and the student will eventually quit.  We believe training has a beginning but no end, and each student can continue their goal as a life long pursuit.  Some may read this and say, I don’t want to do this forever, or may even be thinking what if I move or get injured or for any reason cannot continue. This very thought is what limits the training of many martial artists.  Even with physical limitations your martial art training doesn’t cease to exist, if you have the correct frame of mind, you will use what you have learned and incorporate it into every aspect of your life. 

At L.I. Ninjutsu Centers we urge student and parents of young children to shift their focus as much as possible off the belt color and in turn focus on the skill, ability and mindset of the student.  What our real goal should be is to be great regardless of what rank you hold and what color belt you have tied around your waste.  The late Bruce Lee said “Belts only hold up your pants.”  It is not the belt but the knowledge that makes a person who they are.