Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Why I want to be a Black Belt - Payton Singleton

Payton Singleton

Black Belt Essay
Why I Want To Be a Black Belt

What does it mean to me to be a black belt? It would mean everything in the world, like winning 1st in a tournament, or winning the Nobel Peace prize!!! But earning this belt would be amazing. I have been doing karate for 3 years, ever since my last day of kindergarten! I remember when I first saw the studio my heart was racing because I was so excited! I felt so confident the first time I put on my Gi… my mom took a picture of me doing my best karate pose, “Kia!!” When I started my first class I was so excited and never felt so happy in my life. Then, after 2 months I had my first testing. My emotions were going crazy!! I actually had several different feelings, I was nervous, excited, happy, scared, and had a funny feeling in my stomach. It’s been a challenging but a rewarding experience for me, and I am so grateful for my instructors who, have been there for me since day one!
        Here we are 3 years later I am a getting ready to test for my Black Belt. To be a black belt, to me, means to be a leader not only in Taekwondo, but in all aspects of life. The Tenets of Taekwondo which are Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit, have been taught to me since day one of Taekwondo, and as long as I live I will never forget the meaning of those words. When I get my black belt I hope to instruct and encourage other students with courtesy, respect and happiness, just as my instructors did with me. I will know that my day of color belts are over and this will be something I can look back on as an adult and know that I made a great accomplishment as a kid.  


        I read a saying that said, “A black belt is not just something you wear or earn, but a black belt is something you become.”  However, I think that I earned this black belt because I have worked hard on becoming a black belt for 3 years and I will wear it with pride and respect. When I get this belt I know that I will still have a lot to learn but I will continue to give it my all. If I were to pass the test and earn my black belt it would mean a lot to me as I said in the beginning. So just to see me wearing a black belt my emotion would be excitement, joy, happiness, and pride. But even if I weren’t to get my black belt I would persevere and try again and again until I pass. That is what it means to have an indomitable spirit! So it’s just like a nonstop goal your minds telling you to achieve, you hear me? So I know that deep down in my heart that I would do anything to earn my belt.