Geary has, in his words, "created what he wants to create," not only forging a business but establishing schools that promote the same quality instruction he valued in his own training.

Geary warns that the black belt myth, the idea that such achievement signifies superior training, is a concept parents fail to research. This, in turn, guides them into accepting in inferior training for their children at times.

Someone who claims to have a first-degree black belt is not necessarily qualified to teach, he said.

"Anyone can purchase a black belt and open a school," Geary said. "A qualified instructor, however, should be able to show a lineage of rankings passed down from martial arts masters."

Ten rankings exist and in Japan, only those who have earned third-degree black belt or higher can open a school or dojo. A fifth-degree ranking bestows the title of master.

Geary's own command of the art has earned him more than defensive skills.

"When I started martial arts, I didn't have a lot of confidence," he said. "It was tough to get it down. But you learn to master yourself through the techniques and go beyond yourself. I gained confidence and self-awareness."

In his online autobiography, he further describes character traits learned in the discipline

"There are four secrets to being a good martial artist and a good human being: self discipline, tolerance, adaptability and patience," he writes.

He wants his students to attain the confidence that comes from mastering technique. He writes of his teaching philosophy: "When I train my students, I try to give them the tools to find what they are looking for so that they can feel complete and content with themselves and others.

"One of the most important things I teach them is to always be prepared for anything that might come their way, in and out of the martial arts. I believe your training should equip you to handle the worst possible thing that you could ever imagine happening to you. This doesn't have to be something physical; it can be mental as well."

Martial arts masters Hanshi Lou Angel, Sijo Victor Gascon, Thomas Burdine and others provided inspiration and promoted Geary through the black belt heirarchy.

It was Dr. Keith Nesbitt Sr., a member of the International Martial Arts Masters Federation who has achieved Tenth Dan (black belt) in two martial arts systems, who moved Geary into the elite.

But the young Grand Master rarely wears his black belt when teaching, prefers being called Professor and remains focused on providing a high caliber of instruction.

Like his teachers, he promotes students to more advanced rankings only after years of study, self-discipline and commitment.

"So far, I've promoted only seven students," he said, "and hey are confident they've earned it."

For more information about Geary, martial arts and instruction, visit www.ChristopherGeary.com or www.OmahaKarate.com.

Black belt rankings

Many martial art styles have between one and 10 dan ranks. Here is the most common way of referring to them (in ascending order of degrees):

1. Shodan

2. Nidan

3. Sandan

4. Yondan

5. Godan

 

6. Rokudan

7. Shichidan

8. Hachidan

9. Kudan

10. Judan