The Rare Path to Black Belt, And Beyond with Goldbar Defense
When I first began my martial arts journey, I never fully realized just how rare the path to black belt really was. Like many students, I tied on a white belt and dreamed of one day earning that black belt. But as I would come to learn, the black belt isn’t just a piece of fabric, it represents years of commitment, sacrifice, and transformation.
Statistically, fewer than 1 out of 100 students who begin martial arts will ever earn a black belt. Most people stop somewhere along the way, life gets busy, priorities shift, or the challenge becomes too much. That’s why a black belt is so highly respected. It’s not just about talent, it’s about perseverance.
Now, consider something even rarer: earning a first-generation black belt in Ronin Goshin Jutsu directly under Grand Master Jim Harrison. For those who don’t know, Jim Harrison was a martial arts pioneer from the Blood and Guts era of full contact Karate, one of the toughest fighters and most respected instructors in American history. He trained and influenced countless martial artists, law enforcement officers, military personnel, and self-defense instructors.
I had the privilege of training directly under Grand Master Harrison, and the lessons I learned from him were life changing. To receive a black belt from the founder of Ronin Goshin Jutsu himself was not only an incredible honor, but also a responsibility to carry forward his teachings, his discipline, and his legacy. It’s a rarity that very few will ever experience, and it shaped the way I view martial arts and self-defense forever.
Why So Few Achieve It
The truth is, very few make it to black belt because the journey demands more than physical skill. It requires:
Consistency – showing up even when it’s inconvenient.
Resilience – pushing through setbacks, injuries, and struggles.
Discipline – focusing on growth, not shortcuts.
Humility – being willing to learn and be corrected.
The black belt is earned through a transformation. You don’t just learn techniques, you become someone stronger, more confident, and more disciplined.
My First Steps onto the Mat
It was 1992 when I first stepped on the mat at Sakura Warrior Arts. Walking into the dojo was like stepping into history. The walls were lined with photos of champions and warriors who had trained there before me. Above the stairs sat rows of trophies, not just those of Master Harrison, but also of his students, past and present. You could feel the weight of legacy in that room.
Before training, I stepped into Sensei Harrison’s office. He looked me square in the eye and told me that Sakura wasn’t for everyone. He explained that I could try a couple classes for free to see if it was the right fit. I agreed, nervous but excited, not knowing what to expect.
As I looked at the mat, I noticed blood stains on the surface, some dark and old, others bright red and fresh. This was a place where people trained hard, pushed themselves, and left pieces of themselves behind.
In my first class, there were only four other students. That day, I learned dojo etiquette, how to be thrown, and, to my surprise, how to throw someone else. I never thought I could defend myself, let alone toss a person who was choking me from behind, but that’s exactly what I learned. In the next class, I learned to defend against a front choke. For the first time, I realized that with the right training, I could truly protect myself.
After those two classes, Sensei Harrison sat me down. He asked me if Sakura was for me. Without hesitation, I told him “Yes.” Then he asked me what I wanted to achieve. I told him I wanted to protect myself and the people I care about, and I wanted to earn a black belt.
He nodded and said he would help me reach those goals, but warned me that the path would take a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. He told me that the average person never earns a black belt, and if I was serious, I would need discipline and dedication beyond what most people could give.
Then he said something I will never forget: Sensei Harrison told me he saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself. He saw potential I didn’t know I had.
That moment changed my life.
The Lessons That Shaped My Life
Training under Sensei Harrison taught me that I could be both strong and honorable, that I could “kick butt” but also live with respect, humility, and compassion. He taught me that real martial arts wasn’t about fighting for pride, it was about protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves.
Thanks to Sensei Harrison, I learned how to be a man of honor and respect, qualities that seem rare in today’s world. He also helped me grow as a man of faith, unafraid to share the values of God with others. ‘Sensei Harrison told me “When you truly believe in something you aren’t afraid to fight for it and defend it.”
Those lessons stayed with me my entire life. They became the foundation of who I am today and what I built into Goldbar Defense, a place where the principles of Bushidō blend with the values of Christianity and the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Carrying That Legacy Forward with Goldbar Defense
That’s why I founded Goldbar Defense. I wanted to create a place where anyone, whether they’ve never trained a day in their life or they dream of one day becoming a black belt; can pursue their goals and experience the same kind of transformation I did.
At Goldbar Defense, we’ll help you:
Build practical self-defense skills that work in real life.
Develop situational awareness so you can recognize and avoid danger.
Grow in confidence, self-control, and discipline that carries into every part of your life.
And if your goal is to one day wear that black belt, we’ll be with you every step of the way. We know how rare and special that achievement is, and we’ll give you the tools, training, and encouragement to make it possible.
The Bigger Picture
Looking back on my own journey, I realized the black belt wasn’t just about me. It was about the lessons, the people, and the legacy of those who came before me, especially my mentor and teacher, Jim Harrison. That’s what makes it so meaningful.
At Goldbar Defense, we carry that same spirit forward. Whether you want to feel safer walking to your car at night, protect your loved ones, or chase the dream of earning a black belt, we’ll stand with you, train with you, and celebrate with you when you reach your goals.
Because at the end of the day, a black belt is rare. But the transformation along the way is even rarer, and it’s available to anyone willing to step on the mat and begin their journey.
Goldbar Defense: Where your journey becomes your strength.
Remember when seconds count and help is minutes away you are your own first responder.
Stay safe my friends.
Pastor Bart Goldbar
Goldbar Defense LLC
