Value...

The relative value of something is directly proportional to what you paid to obtain it. Think about it -- the price of a black strip of cloth is, what, $2.00 at Michaels? Even if you happen to be really horizontally challenged, that strip won't cost you more than $3.00. Is that all your black belt is worth?

'course not. You're paying for it every day that you train. And you have been paying for it for the past several years as a yellow, orange, purple, green, blue, and brown belt. And your parents have been paying for it, not just financially, but in their time spent driving as well as in supporting your efforts.

Yep -- that strip of black cloth that you're all working towards is heavy with the price of sweat, sacrifice and self-discipline. Aren't you glad it isn't a cheap token that anyone can just buy off the internet? After all, what good is that?