There is nothing as sweet as having YOUR own name on YOUR very own black belt! When you get that embroidered belt, the thoughts that run through your head are amazing and go something like this, “I can’t believe I did it! I was sure I couldn’t do it! I had set backs, I had victories! But now I realize just how special it is and it was all worth it. This is the coolest thing EVER! MY name, on my belt, means I did it! Not my mom, not my dad. Not my brothers or sisters. Not my classmates. Not even my instructors. It was me! I did it. I did something that few people dared to try. I accomplished something most people just dream about. I took the classes. I did the kicks and strikes. I learned the forms and defensive moves. I sparred and practiced my weapons. I broke boards. I stood before the my instructors. For the rest of my life, no matter where I go or what else I do, I know I did something few have done. My name is on that belt, and now I know I can accomplish anything!”

As this is going through your head, you smile, bigger and bigger. You can’t help it. Then you feel lighter than air and the world seems to be perfect. If you ever wonder why I do this job and get so passionate about my students, and the instructors that surround me, right there is your answer! I love to watch that conversation start in their heads and see the smile on their face. Is there anything better? Well, perhaps shaking the hand of a student at a National and saying, “Welcome to the big leagues. How does it feel to be a 3rd degree?”