On May 5, 2016, I received my black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Even though I had completed the test on April 3rd, the ceremony was held a month later. During this time, we had to refine on the various comments provided by the Grand Master. The most coincidental part was that the ceremony was on my little brother’s birthday!
The black belt is a huge achievement. When I was younger, I would get pushed around by other kids. By nature, I do not like to fight. I also remember saying that I’d rather talk something out than fight. Then I started learning Tae Kwon Do at Jae H. Kim Tae-kwon Do Institute. You start with a White belt. I can remember when I had so much trouble doing the kicks at that time.
Tae Kwon Do training involves learning patterns, forms and sparring – where we actually learn the techniques of combat. I used to go thrice a week for practicing. After you reach a certain level, you have to take a color belt test which will promote you to the next level. At Jae Hun Kim Tae Kwon Do Institute, the color belt progression is white, yellow stripe, yellow, green stripe, green, blue stripe, blue, red stripe and red. After red, you start with the 9 degrees of black belt.
At this institute, you have to practice really hard to earn your belts. Each belt made me more confident to stand up for myself. From not knowing how to defend myself as a white belt, I can now stand up for myself at any time. Tae Kwon Do really has helped me to learn how to defend myself, and I’m am intending to continue further.
At the ceremony, we received our Black Belt and the Certificate. The black belt is very special compared to all other color belts. On both the sides of one end of the belt, my name was written in English (one side backwards, one side forwards). On the other end, my name was written in Korean (One side backwards, One side forwards). All the words are embroided in gold thread, making it very special. These are made in Korea and shipped after successful completion of the test.
The whole process from White Belt to 1st Degree Black Belt takes anywhere between 2 to 2 and half years of continuous effort. It needs to be done with perseverance, dedication and determination. So, next time you see someone wearing a black belt, don’t relegate, congratulate!
So, what do you think ?