The explorer possesses all the discipline of the warrior but begins to move towards a playful attitude and an attitude that includes compassion. The explorer no longer sees things in black and white. She begins to see things in the context in which they occur. She begins to realize there is not any "one correct" way of doing anything. She begins to see the world in shades of gray. The explorer wants to understand all the different levels of techniques.
She begins to see the relationships between techniques and often invents new moves. This experimental level needs to be balanced with a recommitment to discipline and structure. It is easy for the explorer to loose her why by thinking that techniques are not practical. The explorer can over come this struggle by taking on responsibilities in the dojo. The timing of movement begins to be important not just knowing the moves. The explorer level is represented by the purple belt. Purple belts are often expected to begin assistant teaching. Assistant teaching is the first step towards a serious commitment to attain black belt. It is expected if a student can teach an art they truly know it.