By:Eureka Subedi
The day I tested for my black belt was a day that symbolized a lot of success and pride. To me my black belt is a symbol of my hard work and a memory of my journey as a color belt. The first class I went to as a black belt I immediately felt like a leader, like an example to the color belts. As soon as I stepped into the J.K.Lee building my instructor Ms.Lee started to flood me with smiles and hugs, congratulating me and telling me how my new uniform with the black pants and black v neck suited me so well.
In my first class, I was asked to lead stretches in front of everyone, when I took my spot in the front of the Do-Jang facing everyone I closed my eyes during meditation replaying my favorite tae-kwon-do memories from white belt to my current rank. Soon the slap of the mat echoed through the room, signifying the end of meditation and the start of stretches. Motivated by my new black belt, I confidently led stretches, allowing the leadership side part of me to rise and forget about the feeling of nervousness racing through my nerves. After stretches, I taught some high belts such as brown and high brown their new forms as well as reviewed other parts of their curriculum.
Overall, my first few weeks as a black belt really allowed me to take a moment to realize how far I’ve made it and realize that I am a successful martial artist. It also helped me notice that as soon as you get your black belt, many other black belts start associating themselves with you, not just as a trainer or classmate but as a friend. In conclusion, as a black belt I feel like I have a responsibility not just to do better myself but help others do their best as well.