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A week ago, I started my first day of my year-long black belt test. I don’t think it has fully sunk in yet that I am actually doing this. I started karate over eight years ago, and this has been my goal ever since I started, so actually beginning this test is surreal. There were honestly some points during my eight years of training where I didn’t think that I would make it this far. I went through some really low and difficult times in my training. Not just physically, but also mentally. I had difficulties for a while with some of the people that I trained with, making it difficult to want to show up to class sometimes. I also went through a period of having very painful asthma attacks while sparring, which made me not want to go to class often because I knew that if I went, I would likely end up in pain. It was at those times that I didn’t think that I would make it to the point of starting my black belt test. However, I always knew that I wanted to stick with it because I truly do love karate, and I wanted to be able to make it to black belt. I know that I am obviously not yet a black belt, and I still have a long journey ahead of me before I can actually test for my black belt, but starting this test is the first step to getting there, and for that, I am extremely grateful. I know that these next thirteen months are going to be extremely difficult, and from what it seems, it will probably be one of the most challenging things that I will ever have to go through in my life. Even though it is going to be hard, I am so excited to begin this journey and get to hopefully fulfill my dream of becoming a black belt. One week down, 56 left to go!
My current Challenge progress as of August 4, 2026.
Pushups
(48,760 / 50,000)
Situps
(50,259 / 50,000)
Makiwara
(10,031 / 10,000)
Miles
(981 / 1,000)
Kata
(1,000 / 1,000)
Kumite
(877 / 1,000)
Kindness
(1,004 / 1,000)
Meditation
(4,440 / 5,000)
Books
(5 / 6)
Blogs
(46 / 52)
Videos
(12 / 12)
Congratulations on a strong start Olivia-San! You have a whole dojo of students and instructors behind you. You have experienced challenges in the past–and you will experience some more this year–but you’re strong karate spirit will carry you through!
Alumni, let’s support Olivia-San on her challenge!
@brodyhocking20, @Cooper, @dirkh, @elan, @jakeross, @lucas-g, @mnedresky7
You’ve got this, Olivia! We’re all cheering you on.
Welcome to the black belt challenge. This year will be a year you will never forget. It is inspiring that you stuck with karate through some difficult challenges. I also went through challenges during my years of training before the black belt challenge and during it. Remember those times because you know you are strong enough to get through them and past them. You have the dedication to do this. I look forward to training with you and supporting you the entire way.
Congrats Olivia! A huge accomplishment for even getting this far. You will do amazing!
Olivia, congratulations! You have earned this opportunity by working to overcome various challenges, doubts and fears over the years. I can empathize! I too had many challenges, physical, mental, load (karate, work, family, life…) and there are times I really struggled because the black belt challenge is a BIG challenge and a high bar to clear. But I have no doubt you can do it!
And those of us that have gone before will be there to support you where we are able. We collectively want you to succeed! So, when you feel exhausted (and you will), or you are simply struggling with your mindset or focus or such, you’ve got us to lean on! Olivia, you’ve got this! One day at a time!
Congrats Olivia. This test is long, and there will be times during the year were you will be sick, or injured, and unable to complete some aspects of the test during that time. Don’t let it get to you. Try to have one “off” or light work day every two or so weeks, when you just relax. Burnout is real, and those rest days help us recover before another week or so of basically non-stop activity. Good luck, and I’m excited to see the improvement when I return in December.
‘Sometimes it’s the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination’ – Drake
Congrats on your progress so far Olivia, the Schultz family is rooting for you!
I am so excited for you Olivia! This is going to be a great chapter in your life, and I am proud to be able to follow along and watch you take this journey. 🙌🏼
Our family loved reading about your journey thus far. You are an inspiration and great role model for young karate students like myself. I will be cheering you on and look forward to watching your progress.