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There was no super mystical, secret ninja hideaway that I had to go to when I took my 1st dan test. I did not have to stand in horse riding stance for an hour while Sensei threw arrows at me to test my reflexes. All I had to do was go through a series of techniques, forms, one-steps, jujitsu, break boards, spar and answer questions. And, the testing fee was well within my budget. That ended up being the biggest surprise of all----a black belt test that really was challenging AND affordable.
I realize that many of the obstacles I had on the journey to getting my first black belt were in my own head. I stayed too long at some schools and not long enough at others. I overtrained some areas of my skills and neglected others that I ended up actually having to use in real life (like grappling with someone without injurying them.) The biggest obstacle I found was me: I did not trust my inner voice at watershed moments in my training.
Your inner voice knows. It knows if a particular school, teacher or style is right for you. It knows if you should dive into one type of training or merely "take what is useful". It knows what is right for you at your particular stage of development. So really, you should listen to it and let it be your guide.
When I became a black belt, I did get to put one demon aside: I am no longer "as good as a black belt at----" anything. I am a black belt. It really does not matter if you are as good as a black belt in forms, sparring, one-steps, grappling, throws, pressure points, chi, general knowledge, flexibility, weapons or ANYTHING. What is cool is that you actually ARE a black belt. At that point, you can really begin training. One aspect of that means that a martial arts master does not feel the need to have to spend time lecturing you about why you have taken your first degree test. He or she can treat you like you are a serious student. Trust me: when you are at the brown belt level for too long (I'm talking three or four years), experienced people start to wonder what is wrong with you.
So what if you beat a black belt at sparring before you become a black belt. Maybe the black belt was just being nice that day, just got out of the hospital, was trying out their weaker techniques on you, was tired from doing a lot of training that day or that week, or is just not good at sparring. If you've been in the student ranks for ten years and that person got their black belt in one year at a school that gives ranks away like candy, have you REALLY beaten someone of note? If you want a real victory, find a good teacher and become a black belt yourself. I know it can be tough, demanding, take a lot of time, there may be politics involved, but if you are determined, you will find a teacher who can work with your situation and promote you when he or she feels you are ready. Money should not be an issue: shop around if it is, until you find an affordable school. Affordable schools are out there: just keep on seeking, and yes, ye shall find it.
It may have taken me a while, but I'm glad I hung in there. My judo teacher (judo is not the style I have a dan ranking in) told me that 1st Dan means "1st victory". I really do see it as such, and while I am STILL happy and proud of the accomplishment, I want it to truly be the first of may such victories on this journey.