Your Blackbelts - Series 1

During our testing on August 12th, 2017 our Blackbelts had to write an essay, outlining what Martial Arts has given to them.  Students with training time ranging from 3 years to 23 years, offered up their thoughts.  Below is what they wrote during their test.  

What do YOU share in common with these Blackbelts?

Black Belt Test Essay 8-12-17

What has Martial Arts given you that nothing else has?

NAME:  Chris Higdon

AGE: 37

                                                            TRAINING YEARS:  23

Martial Arts has given me the self confidence that I lacked as a child.  It has helped me to earn leadership roles in life and at work.  Martial Arts has been the basis by which I have gained the self-esteem needed to feel comfortable with my body and overall appearance.  It has taught me how to persevere in the face of failure and meet challenges with a strong will to press on even with others would quit.  I have attained an ability to think rationally and in multiple directions of mind with being put in intense situations.  I have learned to accept defeat with honor as well as humility. 

Martial arts have taught me how to be patient with those that have trouble learning.  Through this ability, I have been able to help handicap children learn how to use their bodies and minds to overcome challenges. 

The rigors of training have taught me how to endure tough physical and mental challenges.  As a result, although I may be afraid, I still put myself out there to be judged. Without martial arts, I would not be the person I am today for my job, my school, or my family. 

Martial arts have also given me the ability to pass this same knowledge and opportunity on to others.  Being able to give others the same feeling and sense of accomplishment has been my ultimate rewards. It has taught me to accept my weaknesses and with the support of my fellow classmates and instructors, continue to grow and learn.  Martial arts have taught me to look for people who started out like me and find that same light of hope that they can be enlightened as well.

Black Belt Test Essay 8-12-17

How has Martial Arts benefitted you unlike any other influence?

NAME:  Conlan McCune

AGE: 16

                                                            TRAINING YEARS:  5

To begin, when I first began doing martial arts 4-5 years ago, I was not in shape.  I was not confident, and mostly, I was just another person.  Unlike school which attempts to teach you how to become confident through saying it to you, Martial, Arts teaches you through example. 

I slowly became more confident as well as a better leader by continuously coming to class.  When I move to New York, I was alone and once again had to make more friends.  It was not school that taught me that making friends was easy, it was martial arts.

 Since I have moved back, I have grown even more especially as a leader.  Becoming an instructor was an extreme step in becoming a leader and becoming more confident.   In conclusion, martial arts has been the biggest and most important step in my life so far.