Last night, we promoted a young man to black belt. He's been coming to our dojo for ten years; he's 26 now.
He's not very good. He lacks coordination, he's sloppy and his footwork leaves a lot to be desired. But he completed all the requirements for black belt. He is one of our Sensei's black belts now, and our Sensei has never put a black belt on a karateka he wasn't pleased to call one of his.
He came here with his family as a child, fleeing from oppression, I won't say from where. Suffice to say English is not his first language.
His parents, despite not earning much money, have insisted that he keep training, and he's done so. Through thick and thin, he's been in the dojo every week. Sometimes he's a bit late; he works menial jobs and sometimes has to work late. His uniforms are not fancy; he wears them to rags before replacing them.
When he started, he was afraid of being hit. He could not spar, because he'd jerk his head back to avoid being hit; he could not even do basic practical instructions unless ordered to 'stand still' and accept a technique, he was so flinchy. He doesn't have that problem now, he can be aggressive when the situation calls for it.
Over time, he got better. Sometimes, he even shows flashes of excellence.
He perseveres. This is one of the traits we ask for in our dojo. Perseverance is my favorite. I'm slow, I'm old and creaky, lack speed and balance, and my best katas are behind me now. But I persevere. And so does he.
We tested him over a period of weeks. We saw good and bad kata, weapons, and sparring. But we also saw him doing his best. Focus, determination, and best effort at all times.
We took a vote. Unanimous vote for promotion from all yudansha present. No objections.
Ten years to black belt is a long journey. But the point is, it was his journey, and he made it. I'm as proud of him as I could be.
Don't give up.
He's not very good. He lacks coordination, he's sloppy and his footwork leaves a lot to be desired. But he completed all the requirements for black belt. He is one of our Sensei's black belts now, and our Sensei has never put a black belt on a karateka he wasn't pleased to call one of his.
He came here with his family as a child, fleeing from oppression, I won't say from where. Suffice to say English is not his first language.
His parents, despite not earning much money, have insisted that he keep training, and he's done so. Through thick and thin, he's been in the dojo every week. Sometimes he's a bit late; he works menial jobs and sometimes has to work late. His uniforms are not fancy; he wears them to rags before replacing them.
When he started, he was afraid of being hit. He could not spar, because he'd jerk his head back to avoid being hit; he could not even do basic practical instructions unless ordered to 'stand still' and accept a technique, he was so flinchy. He doesn't have that problem now, he can be aggressive when the situation calls for it.
Over time, he got better. Sometimes, he even shows flashes of excellence.
He perseveres. This is one of the traits we ask for in our dojo. Perseverance is my favorite. I'm slow, I'm old and creaky, lack speed and balance, and my best katas are behind me now. But I persevere. And so does he.
We tested him over a period of weeks. We saw good and bad kata, weapons, and sparring. But we also saw him doing his best. Focus, determination, and best effort at all times.
We took a vote. Unanimous vote for promotion from all yudansha present. No objections.
Ten years to black belt is a long journey. But the point is, it was his journey, and he made it. I'm as proud of him as I could be.
Don't give up.
. A very well done to the young lad
