From Beginner to Black Belt: Bella Cassar’s Inspiring Brisbane Martial Arts Journey

Brisbane Martial Arts: Embarking on a journey to achieve a black belt is a remarkable feat that requires dedication, perseverance, and a passion for martial arts. This journey is often filled with personal growth, challenges, and the support of family, friends, and mentors. For one young martial artist, this journey began at the tender age of six, and over the span of seven years, it has shaped her into the confident and accomplished individual she is today. Here’s a story of her inspiring path to earning a black belt in Brisbane martial arts. “My Journey to Black Belt started 7 years ago when I was 6 years old, together with my brother. It has made me the confident girl in myself that I am today. I made many new friends and had so much fun and I can’t believe the moment has come where I am grading for my black belt. It all started in beginner’s class, I remember there was a slide in the room and Auryn was our teacher, I loved that class. I slowly moved up belts and at the same time my friend Rosana joined Focus, we had so much fun learning things together. We moved up belts together and was so excited each time I moved up a belt. The instructors at the time were Louise, Jack, David, Kevin, Auryn, Kyle, Shai and Mia. I really miss all the instructors who have left. Mia was my role model and her technique and power were amazing. I always wanted to be like her and become a black belt. There were a lot of obstacles to getting to each belt, earning tips, and grading at each level, but I had to be patient and practice to make sure I could grade to each belt one by one. Once I graded to blue belt, I was still a bit shy, I kept meeting new members, and the members would change as I moved up the belts, the classes would change as I got higher and the classes got harder. The one thing I found scary and intimidating at first was sparring and breaking boards at each grading. But I learned that breaking boards was all about mindset. If you tell yourself you couldn’t do it then you were right, whatever you tell yourself is what will happen, I learned that I could do it and I need to remind myself that I can do it. Sparring used up a lot of energy, it has definitely helped me to become fit and healthy. I now engage in more sporting events such as swimming carnivals and athletic carnivals and basketball that once before I was too shy to participate in. When I reached purple belt, I joined the leadership program which meant helping in class, learning how to set goals, and learning more about self-confidence. Leadership has really helped me in school and at home to have more responsibility. 3 years ago my brother started playing basketball for the school, I wanted to do it but I was so shy, but after joining leadership I was more confident and it helped me not to be scared to join in more things and ready to try anything. Leadership has also helped me with things like volunteering for things at school, raising my hand more in class, and making new friends. Mia and Tammy have been running leadership, I would not have volunteered for things or come out of my shell if it wasn’t for leadership, it has pushed me to do things I would not have done before, facing my fears and being forced to speak to adults has really helped me overcome this. I am currently a level one but working to become a level 2 leader. I learned that I enjoy helping other kids and I had a lot of fun helping out at Parent Date Nights and Ninja Day Camps on the holidays. Once I graded to purple belt I was scared and intimidated by the higher belts and older kids as I didn’t know them but after some time, I got to know everyone so I became more comfortable and gained more confidence to grade to purple black. As I started progressing to purple-black belt it was becoming more challenging, also I knew the next time I graded would be in the red/Black class. I eventually reached red belt and I was proud and excited. I found that everyone was welcoming, it just took some time to get use to it. We did more fitness, more sparring, and more exercise. Sparring to me was a challenge as I was the youngest and shortest person and I always was sparring with an older person or taller or more experienced belt in the class, but now that I have become the highest belt in the class. I still find it challenging but now I realise what is stopping me and holding me back is my mindset. If I say I can do it, I can! I know I can do it. In red belt class I made new friends and really liked the red belt class, we got to learn a lot more things. The most scary grading of all for me was to grade to Cho Dan Bo. But slowly I earned all my tips and the more I practiced the more confident I felt. Once I passed that grading, I was so excited that I had made it that far and I wouldn’t quit. I had a mix of emotions, I was nervous, happy, and excited all at once. I was so proud of myself, but I am the most proud to say I am earning my black belt and can’t wait to wear it to class, I am also proud and happy I have been able to do this with my brother. Thank you, Mia and the Focus Martial Arts team for helping me to reach my goals. I am so blessed that my parents have encouraged and supported me to reach the Black Belt.” -Bella Cassar, Black Belt 1st Poom Achieving a black belt in Brisbane martial arts is not just about mastering martial arts techniques; it is about personal growth, overcoming fears, and developing a strong mindset. This journey exemplifies the dedication and perseverance required to reach such a milestone. With the support of her family, friends, and mentors, she has grown into a confident and accomplished individual. As she stands on the brink of earning her black belt, she looks back with gratitude and forward with excitement, ready to continue her journey in Brisbane martial arts with the same determination and passion. Learn more about the benefits of martial arts. Interested in Brisbane Martial Arts? Click here for more information.