Congratulations to those of you who have made it to the world of the Junior Black Belt. I am very proud of you and have always known you could do it. But, there is still much to be learned and there are newer and even loftier goals to achieve once you move into the teen class. Teen class is where the true training BEGINS, not ends. We will now be taking what you know and developing it so that you can use it more effectively. If you dedicate yourself to your training as much now as you did to get there, you will see that your skills will grow quickly!

The biggest obstacle to training at junior black belt, believe it or not, is the transition to the teen class. As you know by now, the skills and drills in this next class are elevated to another level entirely. Too many students are tempted stop training at Junior Black Belt and to avoid the growth at the teen level. They feel like have achieved a goal they set for themselves and that once a black belt they will always be a black belt! They feel they will remember and be able to do the skills they have learned without practice. This is a misguided notion. Sure you earned your black belt, but do not let your ego get the better of you. Do not confuse a Junior Black Belt with that of a teen or adult and what they have learned and earned or are learning and earning!

So, the first thing you need to do in order to succeed at this new level is to continue to come to class and challenge yourself. Once you have reached that age to make the transition to the teen class step up. Challenge yourself. Black belt is just the beginning of a continuous journey. As the old adage goes, “Use it or lose it”!