When I was seven I walked out of a restaurant into the beautiful starry night of January.  It was that night I was introduced to the world of Martial Arts.  I had seen the little studio in the corner before, but tonight the door was open and I heard the loud "kiap" coming from inside.  That's what caught my attention.  I asked my mom to go and watch as I grew more and more curious of what was happening beyond the open doors.  I saw men and women with different colored belts. I asked why some people had different colors and shortly received my answer.  They were kicking, punching, sparring, etc.  I pointed to the lady doing jump kicks and I told my mom that's what I want to do.  She patted me on the head and said "ok".  Later that night my parents and brother couldn't stop laughing as I imitated the kicks and punches I saw earlier.  Before I knew it, I was laughing at my parents and brother for trying to imitate me.

When I was younger, I started Karate because growing up I was always involved in quite a few sports.  I was constantly active and I wanted to join because of the physical activity.  Now I believe that the mental training of Taekwondo far outweighs the physical training.  The physical training has to stop at some point in the long run, but the mental training lasts a lifetime. I am able to perform in class and do all the exercises and all the techniques because I believe I can.  It requires focus and concentration and a willingness to believe that you can do whatever it is you want to do.  Getting to Black Belt is a symbol of being able to accomplish your goals.

Throughout all my trainings, I have gained many things such as flexibility, skill, endurance, and most of all I have become quicker.  It would seem that Taekwondo is a solo sport, but it only seems that way to someone who hasn't practiced the art.  You can't reach status in Karate alone.  If you practice alone, you can achieve the basics.  Even in sparring when we are kicking and punching our partners, at the same time we learn different combinations and get different ideas from each other.

A Black Belt is not only a person with strength on the mat.  A Black Belt is a person who is respected by people inside and outside the studio, who has a good attitude, who puts effort and heart into what they do.  A Black Belt most importantly is a roe model, someone that fellow students can look up to.  Taekwondo has inspired me to become a better person and has given me the discipline and confidence to accomplish any of my goals.  The impact from my training has only given me a positive effect, and I am willing to take the next challenge of becoming a Black Belt at Rifkin Professional Karate Center.