However, at Seido Karate Club Dunedin that is the only way they know how to celebrate 100 years of the black belt.
Black belt Sean Brosnahan said receiving the belt represented a watershed moment in any martial artist’s journey as he became a "shodan" — which basically meant adult.
He said in the seido style — the way of sincerity — to receive a black belt one would have to demonstrate the basics for about two hours, leaving them "absolutely stuffed".
Then they have to fight 40 people for a minute and a-half each.
"That’s kind of an intense experience which people treasure thereafter because it hurts and it’s hard and you’re really ... [tired]."
Mr Brosnahan said getting bruised and drenched in sweat was worth it because when presented with a beautiful black belt, a martial artist’s life changed forever.
Yesterday evening, people from dojos from around Dunedin met at Seido Karate and, after completing the drills, had a chat as well as cake and drinks.
Mr Brosnahan said it was a chance to celebrate their common heritage and the achievements of their dojos’ black belts.
