Written by My karate journey started when I was 7 years old. My brother had joined 9 months prior and was actually the reason I joined in the first place; unfortunately, we had to quit not even a year later.
But in 2019, about a year and a half after we quit, my brother started back up again. I remember sitting on the benches watching my brother’s class, and my mom leaned over and asked, “Do you want to try karate out again?” and I said yes. And then I was back; Sensei even let me keep my Yellow-white belt, so I didn’t have to start over from scratch. But then COVID happened, and we started doing classes on Zoom. I couldn’t laugh with my friends, and the only partner I had was my brother, and that really sucked for 10-year-old me, but slowly we started doing class in the park, then in the back of the dojo, still with masks, but oh well.
Then I was in the Core + class. I was 12 years old, a yellow-black belt, and I’d been back in karate for about 2 and a half years. I had a great group of friends, and it was going well. Then we moved up to the Adults class. I was 12 and honestly super nervous; the only people I knew were the Senseis and my friends. We were doing more complex moves, sparring longer, and training harder.
Then I had my green belt test. Elinor had taken hers the week before, so I knew people were testing, but I had no idea I would. I was told the minimum age to get your green belt was 13; I was sad, but I knew I would get my chance eventually. Then Sensei called me up. It was probably the most stressful thing I’d ever done in my life then. I won’t lie; I cried on the way home, but I did it.
A few months later, I started working as the program director. It was definitely weird having a real job at 13. Still, I had a good time and gained a lot of experience. A few years later, I had my brown belt test. I had no idea it was even happening. Sensei told me, Olivia and Elinor, to line up in the middle; I thought we were just getting more rounds in. I remember joking with Cooper a few rounds in and saying, “We just started, and I’m already tired,” and he looked me dead in the eyes and said, “Don’t say that”.
I was probably on autopilot for the last half of sparring. I was tired and sore, but I wanted that brown belt. And I got it. I cried on the way home (I feel like this happens a lot), but I was so proud of myself.
As I start my Black belt test, I keep getting flashbacks to little 12-year-old me taking her green belt test, with no idea what she’d do in the future. I like to think she’d be proud, if not a bit flabbergasted, at all that has happened.
No doubt 12yo you would be proud! No matter the age or challenge conquered, you’ll always remember it. I tell my students “No one can ever take this from you!” and that’s what each belt represents. It also represents your potential to grow into the next belt. You got this, Avi! I’m honored to be walking this challenge alongside you!
By the way, how cute is little Avi in this photo!!!
I really liked reading about your karate journey to present day. Each test for a new belt is unique, special, and challenging to each person. Your 12 year old self would be proud of you. This test not easy. It will challenge and change you in many positive ways. I am around if you ever need anything to help you in this test. Keep up the good work.