September 2016 Tiger Tracks

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July 2016 Tiger Tracks

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 1^st 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.   

June 2016 Tiger Tracks

May 2016 Tiger Tracks

What does it Mean to be a Black Belt? By:Uma Obalapuram

What does it Mean to be a Black Belt?
By:Uma Obalapuram

What is a Black Belt? Really? The technical definition is, “an expert in judo, karate, and other martial arts.” If you had asked me that question when I started Taekwondo 4 years ago, I would have said that was correct, but now, I know that there is so much more to being a Black Belt, and that it is not the final stage of training.

Many people view getting a Black Belt as the end goal. They view it as the highest achievement possible and think that they are finished once they have received it. A little while back, might have thought the same thing , but I now understand that there is so much more to being a Black Belt than just having the rank.

Black Belts are the leaders in the dojo. They are the ones to help the lower ranks with their technique and kicks and they are the ones deciding what we do in class, and it would be an honor for me to join them. Being a Black Belt follows the tenets of Taekwondo. Courtesy, a Black Belt, or any belt for that matter, should be respectful of their seniors. Integrity, all people should have integrity, but the Black Belts are most always the examples. Perseverance, all Black Belts had to persevere through the training of every single belt to finally reach that color. Self-control, everybody needs self control. The Black Belts are the ones who especially need it as they are the leaders and often the teachers. And last, but certainly not least, indomitable spirit. Everyone needs this to reach their goals and have the spirit to keep going. These tenets matter to all students, but they are the qualities that a Black Belt should possess.

While on my Taekwondo journey, I have discovered many things. The most important thing I learned though is to get up when you fail and keep trying. When I tested for my brown belt, the first time, I failed. I did not break my boards and returned home heartbroken. Instead of seeing this as a negative, I used it as motivation to pass all of my future testings. I practiced as much as I could on the boards and I passed the next testing. I learned that when you fail, you just have to get back on your feet and that failure can be a great motivator.

I hope that when I am a Black Belt that I can help others in my class like Black Belts helped me when I was at that stage. I hope that I can be a good leader as a Black Belt and I believe that I can be a good teacher for others.

I am excited to finish my journey as a colored belt start my journey off as a Black Belt as soon as possible. I understand what it truly means to be a Black Belt and I think I can achieve my full potential as one. Thank you!