What Being a Black Belt Means to Me

I have been a black belt for the past six years, and I have enjoyed and cherished every second of it. It has been a wonderful journey, and I have learned many new and exciting things along the way. But the most important things that I have learned have been most beneficial to me off the Tae Kwon Do floor. I have learned many valuable life lessons that have helped me become a better student, a better teacher, a better son, a better friend and just an all around better person.

Being a black belt is not just a title. It is a state of mind, a level of integrity and honor, and most of all, a commitment to excellence. Any person who things that when they earn their black belt, they don't have to work hard anymore is greatly mistaken. Being a black belt takes more responsibility and more effort that any other belt rank. You have to always set a good example, because you are one of the best. People will look to you for help with their Tae Kwon Do, and if they see you slacking in class and not putting out enough effort, they will think, "How can this guy be a black belt and not me? He's not even trying." Black belts do not just represent themselves and other black belts around them, but they represent their school as well. A black belt must always be aware of what he does or does not do, because every action will shed either a positive or a negative light on themselves and their school. That is why I try to remember all of the lessons that Tae Kwon Do has imparted to me in every aspect of my life.

One of the most important things I have learned is patience. With Tae Kwon Do, when learning a new form or a new sparring technique, while it takes time to learn the new curriculum, perfecting it takes a long time. Being able to have the patience to deal with issues that might make other people angry or give up on, lets my superiors know that I can be counted on to not stop just because something is difficult or seemingly impossible. This is a trait that will serve me will into my adult life.

I have also learned the value of hard work. Even if we have patience, if we do not strive to do our best all of the time, we will get nowhere. I have learned that lesson not from Tae Kwon Do, but from Master Lightfoot himself. As you all know, Master Lightfoot is a very tough and demanding teacher. I respect and admire him for this, because if he did not push me in every class, I know that I would not be testing for third degree right now. This has also had an effect on my study skills and my work ethic. I always put 100% into my work, and I have been rewarded as such. Being a black belt has done so many things for me, and it has been a great experience, and I hope to continue on with Tae Kwon Do for as long as I can.

I'd like to thank my mom for enrolling me in Tae Kwon Do at the age of four, and taking Tae Kwon Do with me. I'd also like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Lightfoot for putting up with me when I was a crazy little kid back in the day. Without their faith in my, I would not be standing here today. Thanks for a great 10 years, and here's to many more. And I am an A-B honor roll student sir!

- Thomas Lynch, 3rd Degree Black Belt