Black Belt Promotion Speech
It’s amazing how an epic journey can start with a small, serendipitous step. My first step was motivated by, of all things, my back.
In the winter of 2008, I began waking up in the morning with an incredibly stiff back. It was a painful and slow ordeal just to get out of bed. Often, during the day, my back would seize up and leave me frozen in anguish for a few seconds. I was feeling like I was in my mid-70s, not my mid-30s.
Unsure of what was causing the pain, I sought out my doctor’s help, who diagnosed me with arthritis. He suggested multiple ways to alleviate the pain and stiffness, including tae kwon do. It seemed crazy at the time to consider this a legitimate option in pain management. I mean, seriously, a 30-something mother taking martial arts? It seemed so random and unusual and so not me. A few weeks after my doctor’s visit, my husband and I were driving by the Amherst Master Chong’s World Class Tae Kwon Do location during our lunch hour. Upon his urging, we stopped in to find out more about tae kwon do. I wasn’t convinced this was right for me, but my back wasn’t getting any better, even with medication. So, I thought I’d give it a try.
Days later, I attended a few private classes with Mr. Vest. Sure, I felt a little awkward wearing a dobok and kihaping, but something about tae kwon do intrigued me. I was intrigued enough to sign on as a full-fledged tae kwon doist, although initially reticient about signing up for the three-year black belt program.
I noticed right away the positive effect tae kwon do had on me physically. I no longer was taking my prescribed anti-inflammatory twice a day. Often, I could go weeks without medication. I became much more flexible, strong, balanced, and fit. I lost weight and gained some muscle tone. As positive as it was to improve my health, I had expected this. What I didn’t expect were the many other benefits of tae kwon do.
For instance, my improved mental health. I love the stress release of tae kwon do. There’s something cathartic about punching and kicking targets, kihaping loudly, and sweating profusely. I would come to weekday noon classes with stresses from work rolling around in my mind like loose ball bearings and leave class with renewed energy and a clear mind.
Another benefit: increased confidence. Pushing myself to accomplish something big and something difficult expanded my confidence. When I first started, even breaking a board seemed impossible. And now, here I am receiving my black belt. I am confident knowing that I can achieve goals, even lofty ones, if I embody my two favorite TKD tenets, perseverance and indomitable spirit.
Lastly, I never expected to gain such a close circle of friends, but this may be the biggest and most important benefit tae kwon do has brought me. Since my marriage 15 years ago, I’ve moved four times and haven’t had the good fortune of being able to live in the same city (or state) as my parents, extended family, or in-laws. My husband and I always felt like we were without a support system. It’s hard to put down roots and make deep friendships when you’re moving to a new city every four to five years. But thanks to tae kwon do, I’ve met some amazingly warm and generous people whom I consider to be my extended family now. Sharing the experience of tae kwon do with them, learning from them, having their support, whether it’s cheering during testing or a hug and kind words during those moments of self-doubt, has been such a blessing. I can’t imagine not having both tae kwon do and these friends in my life now.
The road to black belt for me has been bumpy and uneven. I’ve traveled through valleys of self-doubt and scaled peaks to reach goals. I’ve gotten bruised and broken and sweaty, but along the way, I’ve been given ample amounts of wisdom, instruction, and encouragement to carry with me. And as I reach the summit of my tae kwon do journey, black belt, and look around from the top of this mountain, I see that black belt is but one high point amid many more valleys and hills and mountains. This is just the beginning of my journey and I’m ready for the next step.
Author's note: After two and half years of very hard work, I tested for and successfully earned my black belt in tae kwon do, December 4, 2010. Upon promotion, students could give a speech. This was mine.
