1st Dan Speech, by Ryan Makkas, 9 years old

I’m Ryan and I’ve been doing taekwondo four years.  It feels great that I am finally a Black Belt. I have been practicing a lot between a white belt and a black belt.  I had to work very hard for a five-day long test.  I was so tired after that week, but it was worth it because I got my Black Belt.  I’m very thankful for the instructors for helping and showing me the correct movements for everything.  If they never helped, I would never have passed. My goal was to be a Black Belt, but now it’s to be a 9th Dan Black Belt. I first found out about taekwondo from my friend, so I have to give him thanks too.  My experience with taekwondo is pretty big. I am very excited to get my Black Belt now.

1st Dan Speech, by Veronika Hoelscher, 11 years old

The journey to my Black Belt has impacted me in many different ways. One of the ways is that it has taught me self control. I am now able to control myself better when I am angry or frustrated.  The journey has also taught me what it means to be a Black Belt. Being a black belt means you have mastered all the basics.  You can defend yourself or someone else if needed.

Another way my journey has impacted me is it has taught me that it takes time, education and self-discipline. If you want to make good grades or get better at a skill, it takes all of the above. You need to practice, study and work harder on your homework. The dedication is when you practice your skills frequently.  My journey has also taught me self-discipline. Now I go outside and practice my Taekwondo, soccer and other sports without being reminded.

Another thing my journey has helped me realize is that there are many different needs in my community.  To get my Black Belt, I had to do a community service project. I chose to help with a battered women’s shelter by providing meals. Now I know that I need to continue doing community service projects to help my community in the best ways possible.

Upon the completion of my Black Belt, I am thankful to have had the opportunity to learn all these things and many more.  This journey has made me a better person all around, and I plan to continue to use my knowledge to benefit others.

1st Dan Speech, by Nathan Boyce, 10 years old

My martial arts journey started when I was five. Two weeks after I turned five, I went to an open house at a martial arts school in Potomac, Maryland. I liked it and joined the little ninjas program. I went twice a week. I was a good student and progressed easily.  Sometimes I faced challenges. For example, I was sparring once and my partner chipped my tooth.  I did not quit and got the tooth repaired. When I was brown belt, “The belt before black belt in my old school,” I moved to Ohio and resumed my martial arts journey at the Asian Arts Center.  This was very hard, but fortunately they gave me credit for my karate belts. This meant I had to learn all the forms sharp enough to test for black belt. Mr. Matt started me off at a navy blue belt.  I took many private lessons, and I worked very hard and advanced to first gup.  All my instructors were great!  Who knew, that when my journey started out about five years ago that I’d be testing for black belt?  I learned from my journey how to reach my dreams and control anger, and become more focused at home, school and in daily life.  My journey has also helped me physically too.  The journey has made me MUCH stronger and taught me how to defend myself.  It feels great to reach my goal.

2nd Dan Speech, by Maya Reyes, 10 years old

Hi, my name is Maya Reyes.  I would like to thank all the instructors for helping me with this journey to become a 2nd Dan.  I would also like to thank my parents for their help.  A challenge for me was the 3-mile run. It encouraged me when everyone ran the last lap with me.  Thank you for your support.  I learned that even though something is hard, you can do it if you push yourself and keep trying. The push-ups and crunches were easy for me. I felt prepared for the black belt forms because I have practiced them a lot on my own.  This process has taught me to keep trying even when things get tough.

2nd Dan Speech, by Parker Reyes, 13 years old

I am Parker Reyes.  This journey has been both challenging and enjoyable.  A challenge for me was the 3-minute plank.  As a personal goal, I went home and accomplished the 3-minute plank without touching the ground.  I enjoyed the format of this testing schedule.  When I tested for my 1st degree Black Belt at my Knoxville karate school, we did it in one exhausting day.  Testing throughout the week allowed me to rest and review for the following days requirements.  I feel that testing for my 2nd Dan I am physically stronger and more mentally prepared.

I have learned how important breathing is for self-control and relieving stress.  In our Black Belt class Mr. Matt taught us that our body cannot tell the difference between physical stress and emotional stress.  When you breathe while under physical stress, you will train your body to breathe under emotional stress.  This will help me control my actions and be able to act in a more rationale way while under stress.  I would like to thank the instructors for the time they took to lead me through this journey.  I would like to thank my mom and dad for their support and helping me achieve my 2nd Dan.