I find the motivation to come to class on any given day comes primarily from seeking greater discipline and control. So when I feel tired and might want to surf the web at home instead of coming in, there’s a reminder that getting up will lead to more long term benefits, including being able to get up easier the next time. Being able to know exactly where my limits are and how to train at full effort are skills I’ve learned in the dojo, and have aided me in life outside as well. Apart from personal improvement, training here is also motivated by the enjoyment of learning new combinations of kicks. I find a lot of what we do in class fun, which is a completely subjective measure, but makes it possible for me to continue to push myself. The last factor that seems important is to be living in the moment. With forty-five in a normal day’s class, there’s no time to be distracted by exterior worries, and so I can devote full attention to martial arts only.

    Being a black belt has shown to me the difference between teaching and leading. When I first received the rank, the responsibilities of being a black belt seemed immense. I had this impression that as a leader in the group, I needed to know every form and every kick by heart. It took months of observing my senior black belts to understand that they too were still learning, and still had moments of difficulty. Being a black belt did mean that I had to step up and be a leader, one who solved problems and kept the team on track, but not that I always had to be a teacher. When I don’t remember the next step in a form I cannot teach it, but I can look for whoever does, and follow. On the floor, learning is a collective process where everyone is at a different stage- there are middle belts who can axe kick higher that I, teen peers who know certain early forms better, and it is in these differences of strengths that cohesive groups are built because everyone still has room to grow.

In the six years I’ve trained here at Mercer Island Martial Arts, going from my last year of elementary school, through middle school, and into greater half of high school, I have always found that the skills taught in the dojang are those needed to succeed academically. One of the changes in perspective I’ve found most useful is focusing on learning new ideas and techniques instead of worrying about how they will be tested. On the floor at class we devote time to drilling the forms and kicks, perfecting every detail, so when the time comes to demonstrate the movements come naturally. Similarly, I've found it's necessary to put in the focus needed to study, reviewing simple flashcards and running through practice calculus problems until they are second nature. Walking into class one the day of a math test, I then have the confidence to not stress out even if problems look unfamiliar. With a strong base of skills, working through a challenge is fun instead of frustrating. Going for long term understanding of how each piece works and how every piece fits together is a study style that sounds intuitive, but can feel draining- it’s from my time at the dojang I’ve been able to see firsthand that it pays off, and with enough time building up foundation anything, even implicit differentiation, can be learned.

Where I could have done better, and how I changed because of it?

    The first few weeks I assisted with teaching the children’s classes, I struggled to lead any group without constant help. Anything more complex than running forms would rapidly deteriorate. In hindsight, the reason for this was a lack of patience- instead of waiting to for people to quiet down and get their attention, I would try to immediately start in with the exercise. Rushing into instructions was counterproductive, leaving me having to repeat them to most of the group and generally raising the stress of everyone involved. Not only did I become frustrated with having to go back, those trying to follow along were as well when called to start following instructions before understanding them. In order to deal with large groups in noisy environments, I had to slow down and be willing to wait. Spending thirty seconds to collect everyone's attention and then speaking at a deliberate pace led to the entire group hearing the first time, and having a natural time to start. While finding the perfect pace between confusingly rapid and boringly slow is a continual process, I have at least been able to calm down and watch for cues instead of minimizing time to deliver words.

1. What are my goals upon having reached black belt for my future training and learning?

Well, as a black belt I will probably start focusing more on training the lower belts. However, I still hope to improve in technique and endurance, and learn the new forms and self defenses. If I pass, then I can also help the many deputy black belts reach their goals. In general, I will try and keep learning and helping others learn regardless of belt.

2. What kind of black belt will I be?

I would like to be a black belt who is approachable, and can help anyone. Part of this means that I will have to master the techniques, so that I can reliably teach them. It would also be great if I could inspire others to try and get to black belt by being a good example. I will probably focus more on the fun and showy side of martial arts, simply because that's the part I enjoy the most. The practical and violent side is important to know, but I will probably not focus too much on it.

3. Recommendation from two people. (Okay they're both my parents)

Mithril started training at Mercer Island Martial Arts when she was 10 years old. We were hoping that she would get some weekly exercise and have fun, but were a bit concerned that she might not have the emotional maturity to handle a contact sport. We needn't have worried. She loved the training and discipline right from the start. She has shown amazing persistence with attending class regularly, usually walking or biking the 1 1/2 miles to class 3-4 times a week. Her form and focus are beautiful to watch and she has become a responsible mentor to the younger students. We are extremely proud of her achievements in martial arts and thrilled at her maturity. She is ready to test for black belt.