10.22.2008

Just to let you know what's up . . .

I did it! Last weekend I finally took my black belt test. For the first day I had to demonstrate nine memorized forms, basic punches & kicks, sparring, and board breaking: the regular stuff. Then, the next day, I had to spend two hours straight just running, jumping, weightlifting, and doing push-ups & sit-ups. It's not exactly as easy as I first thought it would be – getting a black belt. I mean, a few failed the test and three people actually got sick during the workout.

But it's over - and I can hardly believe it's over. It's a little like preparing for Christmas, how it can take weeks to get ready, and then suddenly it's gone before you blink. But I have to admit, even though someone couldn't see it from the outside, I was a bit nervous.

And it's crazy how some challenges, like a black belt, are just goals made by people for people. It isn't like our lives depend on them - it isn't even like a job, a marriage, or someone dying. Yet we can get so worked up about them. It's kind of funny. But even so, these little challenges we get so worked up about - they're something from this earth that I might just miss in heaven.

Because when you complete the challenge - give it your all – there's hardly a better feeling. You know, the feeling where you feel like jumping up & down, or singing from a rooftop - or dancing in the rain. It's the feeling where you can't have a bad day, even if you do. It's when you feel like running - like laughing at even the stupid jokes. And that - that feeling - can sometimes make any challenge more than worth the risk.

(feel free to comment!)

18 comments:

Romans 12:2 said...

Congradjulations! How long does it take to earn a black belt? - Bob

Anonymous said...

Congrats!!!

It's sounds like a gruelling process. But worth it...

It reminds me of the classes I had with my old Jazz/Modern teacher. He had us do a lot of strength/cardio training, and you just had to push through the pain and past the feeling of getting sick, and while it's a painful and exhausting process it's absolutely worth every milisecond. In the end you feel so happy, so accomplished. It's wonderful.

I'm so happy for you! *woo hoo!* Black Belt!

-Amy <3

Prince Trase said...

You busted them boards good!

Congratulations!

If I have gone back to my karate training, my sensei would have made me a green belt. I dont know the belt rankings anymore :(

Anonymous said...

Congrats! That's FABULOUS! It's quite an achievement, if you ask me....

And I agree, having challenges and goals are part of what makes life so exciting. You need to live life fully, and try to do all you can, or at least attempt all you dream--risking failure and falling on your face--because you get back what you put in. Of course, sometimes you get burned, but then you have to pick yourself up. And sometimes, sometimes you succeed. And that is bliss.

Darling. said...

Oh my Gosh, I love your way with words. Especially the last paragraph.

Congrats:)

griffinrider said...

congrats!
doesn't it feel awesome to try really hard- and succeed?

Unknown said...

Running's easy...I'm on the Cross Country team...

But theoretically, Heaven is supposed to be like the ultimate victory. You made to heaven, congratulations! So you wouldn't miss it in heaven, because heaven is the ultimate black belt.

About the Gold Promise though, it's my goal here on this earth, it's what keeps me a live. It's the goal to reach this thing that I've named Rest. It's my commitment, my oath to humanity, to live completely for it's sake, even though things may be sacrificed...

JC said...

Nice! My best friend does some form of martial arts too.

Story of a Girl said...

I congratulate you for your dedication and commitment! You have a great passion and drive and that is very good. Continue to pursue your goals in this way and you will be really happy in all you do:)

And thanks for the comment, it's definately difficult to do unto others as you'd want them to do (even when u know they won't.)

PhilO♥ said...

Hi!!
*Congrats* W()()t !! Great man!! You have a lot of passion, i must say and i know that getting a black belt's not easy. like we have material arts in school, but I haven't taken it. but my friend's there in it and she says that it's not easy!! It's really nice that you stick to what u wanna do..you're like WOW !! :)
Thanks for your comment!!

--Emilyyy-- said...

Oh congrats!

Quite the achevement.

Jaerixon said...

You seem to want our praise, so i'll say good job, but football practice is like that everyday lol

The Queen Of Quirky said...

good for you..

Sounds like it was fun.. I'm a blue mon now, and we had to memorise at 20 things and pronouce them in japanese.. !! gulp.

huh, I passed though, and I got distcintion, which means an A grade - coolies aye!

♥SAR-UH♥ said...

Congradulations... it must be so exciting to finally get your black belt! great blog :)

jEeRo said...

yEah u did it!!
U GO GAL!!!!!!!
congrats congrats!!..isnt easy to get a black belt im sure..
thkx for your lovely comments..truly appreciate it..
=>

? said...

Hello again,
my new blog - is finally on ...
See you there, hopefully...
{hugs}

? said...

I know the feeling. Congratulations. Thanks for sharing the good news.

Unknown said...

thanks
You, Jaerixon, and I share a similar nobility, hopefully we could put our words into actions in this life that we have.

2 miles is the minimum workout for me...but that makes sense when the sport is running itself

anytime...