Earning a black belt in any martial art is certainly a milestone worthy of being proud about. It means the individual has given everything they’ve had for several years to develop their skills and mentality. It doesn’t just mean that a person can fight, it symbolizes a positive growth and advancement for that person. It represents the struggle and the courage it takes to keep the fire within you burning strong. The martial art equivalent of a “college degree,” earning a black belt is an incredible achievement for the student.