Things come in three's, 'they' say

Mr Davis V
24 minutes ago
3 min read

Becoming an ITF TaeKwon-Do blackbelt is not a quick journey. It demands years of dedication, self-discovery, and constant self-improvement. It is about more than just learning techniques; it involves understanding theory, building strength, increasing fitness, and developing power. This journey shapes character and resilience as much as it builds martial arts skill, and we have three very resilient new junior Blackbelts.

Our club is proud to announce that we now have three new Junior 1st Degree Blackbelts. Josh, Hollie, and Anna have all worked incredibly hard over the past decade. They started as young children, white belts full of curiosity and enthusiasm, and have grown into confident, skilled teenage blackbelts. Their achievement is a testament to their perseverance and commitment.

Outstanding students and excellent role models to other club members

The Long Road to Blackbelt

Achieving a blackbelt in ITF TaeKwon-Do takes time. It is not just about passing tests or memorizing routines. Students must:

Develop physical fitness: Strength, endurance, flexibility, and power improve gradually through consistent training.
Learn theory: Understanding the history, philosophy, and principles behind TaeKwon-Do and teaches students they can overcome these barriers.
Practice self-discipline: Regular attendance, focus during training, and respect for instructors and peers are essential.
Grow mentally and emotionally: The time taken on the journey to Blackbelt gives the student time to embed long lasting skills; physical skills for sure, but also mental and emotional resilience. Fast tracking the journey would only lead to poor foundations and a person easily toppled under pressure.

This process often spans many years. For Josh, Hollie, and Anna, it took around ten years of steady effort. They faced challenges, setbacks, and moments when giving up might have seemed easier. Yet, they kept moving forward, credit to them and their parents.

The Role of Parents

Parents play a crucial role in this journey, they have spent years driving Josh, Hollie and Anna to classes, events, competitions, seminars, and gradings and this commitment created the opportunity for them all to succeed and reach their goal.

Many teenagers today might prefer spending their free time playing computer games or socializing. Choosing TaeKwon-Do instead shows remarkable strength of character, especially during school pressures of GCSE's and A-Levels and

Celebrating Josh, Hollie, and Anna

Congratulations to Josh, Hollie, and Anna on reaching this important milestone, the memory of becoming and ITF 1st Degree Blackbelt will last forever. They each have worked so hard for this, and they should all be very proud of themselves.

Their success is also a reminder that progress in martial arts is about steady growth. It is about showing up, learning, and pushing through difficulties. Their journey should inspire younger and older students alike and reminds everyone that things worth achieving take time.

Thanks to Master R Dennis (VIII)

We extend our gratitude to Master R Dennis (VIII) for dedicating his afternoon to serve as the grading examiner. His expertise and guidance ensure that standards remain high and that every blackbelt truly earns their rank.

Keep Moving Forward

Josh, Hollie, and Anna have gained so much from their training so far. The skills, confidence, and discipline they have developed will serve them well beyond TaeKwon-Do. The journey does not end here. Blackbelt is a new beginning, not a finish line.

We encourage them and all students to keep training, keep learning, and keep growing. The path of TaeKwon-Do offers endless opportunities for self-improvement and discovery.