How long does it take to get a black belt?

That depends on the student! There are schools out their that take pride in making a student train for 5,7,10,15 years before getting a black belt. These schools want 15 years of monthly payments! It should average 3-5 years for an adult who practices and attends regularly to attain the first black-belt level.

Now here is the truth behind the fantasy! A 1st degree black belt means you are ready to start learning the real methods of fighting. In other words, you have graduated High school and are starting college. There is so much to learn. Footwork, hand techniques, foot techniques, throws, breathing, timing, balance, standing, grappling, weapons, and so fourth are the foundations of the Black belt.

Think of it this way, 1^st degree- graduated High school, 2^nd degree- Associates degree, 3^rd degree- bachelors degree, 4^th degree- masters, 5th degree- PhD, and on and on. Be warned, becoming even a 1^st degree black belt is hard. Not imposable but hard.

If karate were easy, everyone would be a black belt!