Red belt: twice in 30 years

[StudentCarl]

Last night my master awarded me a red belt as a result of Saturday testing. This is special for me because it's the rank I held when I left taekwondo in 1981 for college. It's a different experience at 47 as opposed to 17, and I wouldn't trade either one. With team practices, my classes, and helping as an assistant with the young kids' classes, I'm at the dojang 6 evenings a week now. As a teen I needed the structure and leadership, but my focus was on my growth. Now I still need that, but I'm more aware of my obligation to give back. It's rewarding to be part of the growth that happens for others while I continue to improve myself too.

Carl

 

[bribrius]

congrats .


I get the impression that you are a great benefit to your art as it is to you. cheers to you sir.

 

[terryl965]

Congrats

 

[Stac3y]

Congratulations!

 

[Manny]

Last night my master awarded me a red belt as a result of Saturday testing. This is special for me because it's the rank I held when I left taekwondo in 1981 for college. It's a different experience at 47 as opposed to 17, and I wouldn't trade either one. With team practices, my classes, and helping as an assistant with the young kids' classes, I'm at the dojang 6 evenings a week now. As a teen I needed the structure and leadership, but my focus was on my growth. Now I still need that, but I'm more aware of my obligation to give back. It's rewarding to be part of the growth that happens for others while I continue to improve myself too.

Carl

Congratulations Carl, and let me tell you you are not alone, it took me 23 years to earn my second dan black belt. I earned my 1st dan black belt in 1987 when I was in college, I keep training till 1992 and then quit TKD for 15 years.

Yes, it's not the same when I was in my 20's, now I am turning 43 in a few weeks and I am teaching a small class of very few good men, sometimes my aches makes me wonder what am I doing in TKD, cause I can't kick so fast and so high anymore however the good things TKD gives me everyday are fantastic.

Manny

 

[MasterWright]

That's great Carl, Your story is inspiring.

 

[Miles]

Congratulations! You are a real asset to Lakeshore!

 

[Gorilla]

Congrats

 

[KELLYG]

Good job sir!!!

 

[Gemini]

Congratulations!
Nothing like rediscovery, but after 30 years, it's pretty much a whole different animal, eh?