That is good you are able to do rotc with karate. The rotc will help you for exercise and endurance for this test. It is important to continue to do the hobbies you enjoy to stay balanced.

Olivia-san, thank you for being so welcoming and patient to me and Ashley on our first evening class! And for being the first to hold pads for me ever. We are rooting for you on your black belt journey! Thanks again.

What you are learning now about time management and self-discipline will stay with you for life. It will be a powerful tool as you move in to college and career!

The first month is a learning curve to figure out what works best for you to be able to do the black belt challenge. It sounds like you are doing that. There are only so many hours in a day. Everything cannot be done in one day. It is good you are doing miles on the weekends because your weekdays sound very busy. The sit-ups, pushup, kata, acts of kindness, and meditation can be done daily to become a part of life. Consistency is the key.

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

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!

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

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. 🙌🏼