Everyone has their own journey to Black Belt – this is how I started my Year 4 oral competition presentation. Now, four years later, I’m on the brink of achieving that goal. Becoming a black belt in self-defence martial arts has been a long, challenging journey. It has taken five years of hard work and hours of practice to reach this stage I am at now.
My journey to Black Belt began when I was eight years old. I joined one of my friends who was already attending lessons. I was nervous at first. The dojo seemed huge, and the older students looked so strong and much more skilled. I remember how clumsy I felt, but the instructors always encouraged me to keep trying, no matter how many times I stumbled.
The initial stages were all about learning the basics. I practiced stances, punches, and kicks over and over again. It was repetitive, but I knew that these fundamentals were important. One of our mottos at Focus Martial arts was “Yes I can!” I started to understand the importance of balance, coordination, discipline, and focus. Even though I was just a white belt, I dreamed of the day I would tie a black belt around my waist.
As I progressed through the belts, I learned that self-defence martial arts is not just about physical strength. It’s also about discipline and respect towards instructors, others and myself. We were taught to bow to our instructors before and after every class. This was a sign of respect, showing that we valued each other and the art we were learning. Discipline was essential, too. We had to show up to class on time, keep our uniforms neat, and listened carefully to instructions. These lessons extended beyond the dojo and into my everyday life.
Of course, the journey wasn’t always smooth. There were many times when I felt like giving up. Learning new techniques was hard, and sparring with higher belted students was extremely scary. I remember when I had to break a wooden board for the first time. I was terrified. My hands were sweaty, and my heart was racing. I took a deep breath, trust and concentrated, and then-CRACK! The board had split in two. The feeling of accomplishment was incredible. It taught me that I could overcome obstacles if I believed in myself, kept pushing forward and most importantly gave one thunderhead and ten percent effort (a sile saying we use to have in white belt class).
Grading for new belts in self-defencemartial arts was another significant part of my journey. Each test was a milestone, marking my progress and growth. The tests were tough, requiring me to demonstrate my skills, knowledge, and endurance. I had to perform patterns, spar with other students, and sometimes even break boards. Passing a test and earning a new belt was always a proud moment. It was a symbol of how far I had come and a reminder of how much further I could go in the future.
As I moved up through the belts, the road to black belt became visual. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was determined. The training intensified, and the expectations were higher. I spent countless hours practicing after class, perfecting my techniques, and building my strength and stamina. I also started helping younger students, which was a great way to reinforce my own learning and give back to the dojo community.
The final test for black belt will be the most challenging yet. It is a culmination of everything I have learned over the past five years. I will have to demonstrate several taeguks.
The book I chose for my self-development was “The 6 Most Important Decisions You’ll Ever Make” by Sean Covey. This book categories life decisions into six key areas: school, friends, parents, dating, addictions, and self-worth. Each section provides strategies for handling challenges that can occur at home, school, and in relationships. The part of the book stood out to me the most is friends, and this is because I’ve had some tough times with friends before. The book says it’s important to include others, lift them up, and be kind even when they aren’t kind to you. These ideas are crucial to remember when dealing with friends because they’re not just about being a good friend; they also help us grow as people and become more mature.
This book provides guidance on how we should treat others and the importance of kindness in a friendship. This book has been really interesting to read as it teaches me life lessons and general information not only for now but also for my future. This book emphasises the importance of choosing friends wisely and the impact they can have on you in a positive and negative way.
-Rosana Parsons, 1st Dan Black Belt Poomsae
In conclusion, Rosana Parsons’ journey to achieving a Black Belt in self-defence martial arts at Focus Martial Arts (FMA) has been a testament to her dedication and growth. Starting as a nervous eight-year-old, she has developed not only her physical skills but also her discipline, respect, and perseverance. Through each challenge and milestone, Rosana has embodied the core values of martial arts, showing that with determination and self-belief, any goal is attainable. The FMA community is proud to celebrate her accomplishments and looks forward to her continued success as a 1st Dan Black Belt Poomsae.
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