✦ Black Belt - MASTERY APPRENTICESHIP
- Dojo Ink
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
Real clients. Real responsibility. Real transformation.
Black Belt is the final phase of the Dojo Ink path — the in-person apprenticeship where everything you’ve learned becomes real, lived experience.
This is where you step fully into the role of tattoo artist:not just someone who can tattoo, but someone who can design, execute, communicate, and carry a full client experience from start to finish.
⭐ WHO BLACK BELT IS FOR
This level is application + invite only and is for artists who:
Have completed White, Yellow, Green, and Blue Belt (or equivalent skill)
Are ready to work on real clients under supervision
Want to finish their 6-month apprenticeship requirement
Are committed to clean, ethical, client-focused tattooing
Want mentorship in both artistry and business
This is not for hobbyists.This is for artists ready to step into their career.
⭐ WHAT YOU’LL LEARN & PRACTICE
Black Belt is all about reps, refinement, and responsibility.
🞂 Advanced Tattoo Execution
Full pieces from stencil to final wipe
Tackling tricky placements (wrists, ankles, sternum, ribs, etc.)
Managing longer sessions
Adapting to different skin types and textures
🞂 Problem-Solving & Corrections
Fixing shaky lines and patchy shading
Smart touch-ups
Minor cover-up strategy
When to say “no” or redesign the idea
🞂 Real Client Communication
Consultations & expectations
Talking through pain, breaks, and anxiety
Educating clients on aftercare
Handling difficult or indecisive clients with grace
🞂 Speed, Flow & Efficiency
Building a smooth workflow that still feels calm for the client
Time management per session
Clean, efficient setup and breakdown
🞂 Portfolio & Professional Identity
Curating a shop-ready portfolio
Choosing what work to show (and what to leave out)
Presenting your style clearly and confidently
🞂 Business & Career Foundations
Pricing, deposits, and policies
How to structure your books
Working in a shop vs booth renting vs private studio
Long-term brand vision
⭐ WHAT YOU GET
✔ 1:1 In-Person Mentorship
Hands-on coaching, real-time feedback, and guided client sessions.
✔ Supervised Tattoo Sessions
You’ll tattoo live models/clients with guidance, correction, and support.
✔ Skill Refinement Plan
We’ll target your weak spots and build a plan to strengthen them.
✔ Final Portfolio Review
Together we’ll select, organize, and present your strongest work.
✔ Black Belt Certification
A Dojo Ink Academy Black Belt Certificate acknowledging completion of your 6-month apprenticeship path.
✔ Career Next-Steps Guidance
Support around what comes after Black Belt — shop applications, branding, or continuing to build with Dojo Ink.
⭐ TIMELINE
4–6 weeks (Month 6 of the Dojo path)
You’ll be in the studio regularly (schedule set case-by-case) to:
tattoo clients
refine technique
complete required hours
finalize your portfolio & paperwork
Combined with prior belt levels, this completes your 6-month apprenticeship timeline.
⭐ REQUIREMENTS
To apply for Black Belt, you must:
Be 18+
Have completed Blue Belt (or assessed as equivalent)
Provide a portfolio of practice skin + real-skin tattoos
Be willing to follow all studio policies & health regulations
Sign apprenticeship/mentorship paperwork
Spots are limited to protect the quality of training and client experience.
⭐ PRICE
Because this is intensive, hands-on, and limited:
Full Black Belt Mentorship:$12,000–$20,000 total(or structured payment plan — e.g., $3,000–$4,000/month during in-person phase)
You can also bundle the entire Belt Path (White → Black) as a full 6-month apprenticeship package.
You’ve trained your hand. You’ve sharpened your eye. Now it’s time to step fully into the role of artist.
If you’re ready to complete your apprenticeship and become a Black Belt tattooer in the Dojo Ink lineage:
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