Balanced Life Skills Martial Arts

Black Belt Interview Questions

Before March 23rd, you are required to perform your interview portion of your Black Belt Test. Please review the following questions in order to prepare thoughtful answers — you are welcome (and encouraged) to bring notes. The answers can be long or short, personal or general, but they need to be true to YOU. “I don’t know” will not be an acceptable answer to any of the questions. The interview will be filmed, so please dress for the occasion. Keep in mind that all answers should incorporate the context of the questions. (i.e. Q: How long have you been training for your black belt? A: I have been studying martial arts for the past 6 years of my life.).

1. How long have you been training for your black belt?

2. How do you feel your character/personality has changed throughout your training?

3. Who or what inspires you?

4. Who or what helped support your motivation and drive to keep going?

5. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from Mr. Joe?

6. How have/will you apply your martial arts training to real life experiences?

7. Give me an example of a time you operated with integrity and/or honesty when that was not your first instinct.

8. What other accomplishment(s) have you made in your life (experiences, obstacles, service projects, etc.)?

9. What’s the most difficult thing you have had to do in or out of martial arts?

10. Outside of martial arts, what else do you do (hobbies, interests, academics)?

11. What are you the most proud of?

12. Now that you have reached your black belt test, where do you go from here? What’s next?

13. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

14. If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

15. Why do you believe you should receive your black belt? How have you shown you have earned it?

16. What does the black belt mean to you?

You should expect the interview process to take approximately 30 minutes – you should be talking for most of it. Most answers should be at least 2-3 sentences long. While considering dates for your interview, keep in mind Mr. Joe’s busy schedule. All interviews need to be scheduled around prior commitments, class times, and personal schedules. Plan accordingly, and prepare at least three dates and times that you are able to commit.
You should be well prepared. Please practice ahead of time with friends, family, or classmates to make sure you are comfortable presenting your answers clearly. No interview appointments will be accepted after March 23 — Please schedule as soon as possible.