Written by This week I finished my last task in the black belt challenge. I completed my last video and my last book earlier in December. I completed my lasts 4 minutes of sparring at the end of December. I feel amazing. I took the next step in my karate journey starting this and I finished the challenge. I sparred David and Patrick. They were happy to be the last part of my minutes in kumite (sparring). It seems appropriate that sparring was my last task. It was one of the tasks that I found the most challenging. I understand why we are given all of these tasks in the black belt challenge. They are meant to help us become well rounded martial artists. I have a huge appreciation for being a black belt candidate by doing all these tasks.
This black belt challenge has changed me in a really positive way. It has become a very important part of my daily life. It is what I think about everyday and practice everyday. If and when I pass I will really miss the daily practice of the pushups, crunches, miles, kata, kindness, and meditation. I can still do them but, I won’t be recording them everyday. It will change just like life changes all the time. I have always had a hard time with change. When I do earn that black belt I will have to let go of being the first in line leader of the classes and my brown belt. I will need to let go of the past and live in the present. When I earn that black belt I will give my brown belt to someone in the dojo. I will have a new role in the dojo. I am sad to let go of the past but, look forward to the present and future.
I have less than one week left until the black belt test. I do believe that all this training in the last 13 months in the black belt challenge and 12 years in the dojo has prepared me for what is to come. I am the white belt that never gave up. I trust my practice and training to carry me through to the black belt.
The picture is of all my certificates I earned in karate. They are very special to me.
I am so excited for you!
I love what you said about letting go of the past and stepping into a new role in the present. I think that is a great way of putting it in perspective. Congratulations on completing this challenge!