It's Not Just a Belt

It’s the courage to walk into the dojo for the first time.

It’s the perseverance of training through formidable challenges, slow progress, and painful setbacks.

It’s the expanding confidence as I can’ts slowly turn into I cans.

It’s the triumph when the “nopes” turn into “yeps.”

It’s about self-control of every thought and every movement.

It’s about never giving up even when the body is in pain and demands to rest.

It’s about improving mental and physical focus.

It’s about respect for my sensei, for my colleagues, for karate itself.

I spent hours practicing, stretching, memorizing, and training.

I pushed myself to stretch more, move more, do more.

I learned to balance my body, my time, my responsibilities - all while trying not to fall on my face.

I found all 600 muscles I have, and every one of them is sore.

It’s a remembrance of a year of trials and triumphs.

It’s a badge of honor and courage.

It’s a glimpse at how far you have come while realizing how far you have to go.

It’s a checkpoint on a mountain path bursting with incredible views that makes all the effort worthwhile.