Originally posted by
Clothahump
Excellent question.
The physical training never stops, obviously, and there are new techniques to learn, and new ways to use old techniques. The changes are more internal, I think. For example, there is a change in the way we learn new material. From White Belt up to Second Degree or so, your instructor is an instructor. Around that time, the relationship changes and your instructor becomes more of a mentor. Instead of teaching you a new form, the instructor will show it to you, but in reality, you'll mostly teach it to yourself. The instructor will then help you polish the rough spots.
Yes, there is still a noticeable difference between a Second Degree and a Fifth Degree. For one thing, in our style, that's a minimum of 9 years more experience and training. The physical techniques will be just a little smoother, there will be an economy of motion, etc., and I believe it would be noticeable to someone who was not actively training.
I think that overall, it's the internalization of the life skills that makes the biggest difference. Black Belts who trained in a traditional style are, for the most part, some of the politest people you will ever meet. They set goals and achieve them and are oriented toward success.