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This is my essay I had to write upon the trials of becoming a black belt. This paper was sent to Kukkiwon, the national headquarters in Korea, known as the World TaeKwondo Federation. Upon having my instructor read this, he found it very good and worthy of being put in the United States TKD Union magazine. Now, I'm not really sure if the writing is all that great, but writing this essay, was a part of one of my major accomplishments in my life.

“Why I want to be a black belt?” Surely, this question has been through the thoughts of a martial artist as least once through their training career. If I were asked this question, it would be impossible to answer in only a few vague sentences. To me, there is more than direct answers as to why I want to attain my black belt. In my years of training, I have learned life long lessons of growing into an adult, and how to make myself a better person.

My training began in June 2002. I remember tackling a new hobby: computers. For the majority of the summer, I sat in front of the computer screen, compiling web layouts and constructing their codes. I had become obsessed with the whole concept. As my mom urged me away from the computer, she insisted I try something new. My mother handed me the Armory summer catalog, and of all the classes offered, the Tae Kwon Do classes seemed to have taken my interest.

Entering the dojo for the first time, I remember, I was indifferent to the thought of learning a style of martial art. It was, something different and I was going to give it a try and see how I liked it. Before I knew it, three months had passed, and middle school was becoming rough for me. After I had received my yellow belt, I unfortunately had to put a hiatus on my training for over half a year.

The general scenario is that whenever a person has their first hiatus in their training, they no longer continue their art, for whatever reason. That is usually what happens, in most cases. However, that was not what I intended to do. I did not want to become a statistic, I was going to go back, and continue my training. Those six months became long, and nearly everyday, I wished I was back at the dojo, training. During those six months, in the little free time I had, I practiced my forms and self defense in my room. I had become seriously attached to Tae Kwon Do, and during that time, I had missed it greatly.

In middle school, and even through high school, I participated in school sports. After awhile I developed a great distaste for them. I was never very strong, nor incredibly fast, and I hated the idea of unfairness amongst school sports. The coaches immediately picked favorites among the team, and it almost seemed as they refused to help those whom were willing to learn.

However, in Tae Kwon Do, I realized that if I try hard enough I can attain anything. I wasn’t perfect when I began my training, as no one is, but through these years I have worked hard to make myself the best martial artist I can be.

When middle school ended, I had more time to devote to my training. It was my goal, to train, and be the best martial artist I could be. I began attending all classes, and the additional competitor’s class to continue my training. However, in my training, I learned that physical skills are not the only thing involved in training. Along with the physical aspects, I had to learn how to control my mental abilities. In Tae Kwon Do, I learned the meaning of our tenants: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control, and indomitable spirit. I learned how to make use of these traits, and I implemented them into my actions. Training at the dojo, helped me be a better person, in all areas. Not only was I getting physical exercise, and at the same time I could tell that I was maturing, I learned how to deal with my problems, much differently since I had begun my training.

Whenever life was stressful for me, I would train. Training has been a great way for me to relieve stress. At the dojo, I developed a close security with my instructors, and my classmates. I could talk to any of them, about my problems, or just have random conversation, and they would always make me feel better. I know, if I ever needed help for anything, I could always go to my classmates at the dojo. The dojo was my sanctuary, I knew I was safe, I could forget everything else in my life, every little problem, and focus solely on Tae Kwon Do, and nothing else. I could train with ease, with my friends, and we’d enjoy ourselves during our training. I didn’t feel a stranger to the dojo at all. It is a place, where I felt like I belonged.

It was in Tae Kwon Do, where I became a better person, where I felt, I was working on my way to becoming an adult. I strive hard to be the best martial artist I can be, not only physically, but also mentally. I give my thanks to Tae Kwon Do, and my instructors who have shaped me into the person I am today. It is my wish to be a black belt, for I wish to continue my training, because it is through Tae Kwon Do, my own way of life, which has helped me learn the lessons of life. I hope to one day become an instructor and pass on my knowledge onto others in hopes that it will be as beneficial to them, as it has been for me.

© Blair Greenwood, July 6, 2005