The Journey to Black Belt

The black belt test will be April 2010. That doesn't give us much time. So I have been working really hard. You have to practice, practice, practice every single day! I gave my goals and action plans to Mrs. Wilmott. It is important to have goals so that you have something to work for and it is just as important to have action plans so you know what you have to do to accomplish your goals. Thank you, Mrs. Wilmott, for helping me to realize the black belt success cycle.

wow wow wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well well well at the convocation everyone did a fantastic job. It's a big step doing everything you have to do to reach your goal.It seems like just yesterday that the SR.RED BELTS were just white belts.As you can see they progressed very fast and now I hope to be just like Mrs.Wilmott a great instructor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone was awesome

Just wanted to say that all of the students that went to black belt test did a fantastic job you should all be very proud of yourselves, it should show you that all of your hard work and perseverance paid off. Just remember black belt is not the end of the road but just the beginning, a beginning to new possibilities and new adventures. There is still lots of work to go but as you have all proven it is all worth it. I feel honored to train along side of you all and am glad that I can be a prat of your journey.

It's Just the Beginning

Yesterday was the senior red belt /black belt test. I felt nervous, excited, anxious, and ready all at the same time. When we got to Canandaigua everyone seemed to have about the same emotions that I did. Lots of people were there early and that was okay because I knew a lot of them from ADP and those I didn't know I got to meet. Once the test came around, we had to set up for the parents to come in. We had to line up and I ended up being the last person in line, but that did not matter. We waited as those going up for the black belt test requested their rank. And then the test began. First, the Tai Ji students were tested. And then it was my turn and the rest of the Junior red belts. At first I was nervous but I got over it real quick. We were asked to do forms, step sparring, sparring combinations, combat tactics, defensive tactics, and sparring tactics. And then it was time for breaking. I was up first in my group, but all the way over on the other side of the room so my mom and others could not see me. Everyone else went up and did their curriculum. Last, it was time for sparring. That was a lot of fun, because we got to spar several times. Master Kuek talked to all of us at the end and told us that this was just a beginning of the black belt journey. That is how I feel because I still have a lot to learn and my journey is just beginning. It was a great experience! Congratulations to all those who tested - everyone did a great job!

Way To Go Team!

Congratulations to all the testers...everyone did a great job! The journey continues...

another step

well well well four dragons has 7 awesome excellent people testing for Sr. red belts and confirmed black belts.And next Saturday we have the actual black belt test.For everyone testing just remember its just another step towards your goal to being better martial artists.So don't be scared and if your nervous there will always be people on the side lines cheering u on!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now is the Time...

Now is the time... to focus on your goal.

Now is the time... to train your hardest.

Now is the time... to persevere.

Now is the time... to be your best.

Now is the time....

On My Way

First off, I would like to thank Mrs. Wilmott, Mr. Trank, and all black belts that helped me on my way to success. On my way, I have learned many things and skills to reach my goal. For one, dedication and self-discipline are the base to a good strong structure, and with a strong base, there is nothing that can knock you down. When I first started, I knew this was for me. After my first test, I felt so excited and proud of myself to go on to the next level. I am now about 3 years into it, and it keeps getting better.

Good luck to all of those who are testing in the upcoming black belt test.

Yes!

"My life is my dojo. My black belt test is my life –and my goal is to live like a champion in the world, for myself and others, and to act like today is my black belt test."-Tom Callos

This says it all guys...today and everyday!

Congratulations!

Great job everyone at the mock test! We had a really fun time and it was really great with all of you up there.

The next thing up is power camp for Mr. Trank, Brooke, and Cameron! I know you will do well and remember we are all cheering for you even though we can not be there!

The mock test was a great experience! Thanks, Cameron, for the encouraging words. You are right, we need to trust Mrs. Wilmott that we are ready for this test, and so we just have to go up there and do whatever they ask.

Great Job

I just wanted to say how proud I am of everyone who went to the mock test. You all did great. And for the red belts I hope that the 3 black belts helped calm your nerves. I hope you enjoyed the experience. It was nice to have a group of people going up. Enjoy your journey and prepare yourself the best you can. Can you believe the journey you have been taking and how long it has been. Of course you have an excellent teacher. We owe it all to her. She has prepared you all and now it is up to you to make it the rest of the way. And you can do it. Just like the other students that are on their way up. You will have to chance to help them and to teach them any thing that might have helped you on your journey. If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask. No question is a dumb question. Congrats to you all. I have enjoyed watching you all grow up befor my eyes. I am proud of all of you.

What an exciting Day!!! Next up,power camp.

What a day!! Last Saturday Cam, Mr.Trank, Matt G, Stephen, Matt H, Olivia, and I went up for our mock test. It was so fun getting to hang with our friends while waiting for our turn to do our thing. I do have to say that I was a little bit nervous but I thought positive and got through without any trouble. I just wanted to congratulate everyone for giving it their all and doing their best. I know that Olivia will do good on her second try of the mock test. You can do it Olivia, we're all cheering for you! Before the test even started, the whole school was filled with positive thinking and attitudes. If you ever get nervous at a test you'd just have to treat it like a tournament ,that really helps. We all had a blast cheering, talking, breaking, and doing our curriculum with others. Just thinking about this test always makes me smile. So far, this was the best mock test ever. Like I said, I bet that we all had fun up there. Congrats to everyone!
The next stop on this journey is Power Camp. It probably will get tiring at one point but all in all it'll be a fun day. This time around I'm not nervous at all because I know what it's about and I know what goes on. I don't really have a favorite part of Power Camp because I love it all! The next day my muscles will probably be sore but it's all worth it. Being at this point is just an awesome experience and I love it. Power Camp takes alot of hard work, perseverance, energy and a good spirit. At the last Power Camp in April I wasn't feeling that great because I'd had a cold. After the mile and a half run I ended up getting sick. It took a while after the run before I felt better again. Normally when that happens, that person doesn't get through the day and ends up leaving. Not me. I wanted to become a black belt so bad that I didn't even consider quitting to be an option. Martial Arts is just to big of a thing in my life and it's not worth it to quit over a little cold. I love martial arts so much. It has changed my life in so many ways. I never want to quit. This sport has changed my life forever and I can't even imagine my life without it. Meeting all new people, learning how to walk away, and to defend myself and my family from danger has gave my life a whole new meaning. Martial arts will always be a huge part of my life and I will never quit for as long as I live.

mock test

Wow. I would like to congratulate everyone who went up to test. You did a AWESOME job. Mock tests are hard. When Brooke and I went to the mock test when we were sr. red belts the first time we didnt pass. It was because we syced our selfs out by saying to our selfs before the test if we dont break these boards we wont pass.SO at the second mock test we didnt say that and we did pass that time.The important thing is that you dont want to syce your self out.And learn from our mistake.Dont syce your self out.

Mock Test

I am really excited because I will be taking a mock test on Saturday. If I pass that, then I can go on to take my senior red belt test in November. I am also very nervous, but I have been practicing really hard. I know I still have to work on things, but Mrs. Wilmott and Mr. Trank have been helping me by correcting me in class. My job now is to take those corrections and work on them so I can get better.

While nobody can take the test for anyone else, it is good to know that as a team we have worked together and helped each other and that the whole team will be there and we will be cheering for each other. Good luck to the whole team!

Precepts for Success

Subdue the I....Never try to be better than anyone else-be your best and put others first.

Learn Always....Always be willing to learn from others and know your limitations.

Quest for Higher Excellence....Never cease trying to be better-in all that you do!

It's All You Baby!

This is YOUR Black Belt test. This is YOUR goal. This is YOUR plan. This is YOUR choice.

Remember-the journey is not just about learning to kick and punch, it is about developing your body, mind, spririt, and character. It is about being excellent in all that you do, think, feel, and live!

Self Confidence

Self Discipline

Self Reliance

Self Control

Self Discovery

It is the "self" that completes the journey-it's all you!

This journey will help you set your own goals, organize our time, and make efficient choices about your training. You will learn to put your ego aside, ask your team for help, and support others along the way. You will learn self-discipline and attention to detail, patience and perseverance, time-management and organization, compassion and commitment.

All of these things and more are the skills that will help in your Quest for Excellence: Body, Mind, Spirit, Character-the Four Dragons of Success!

KWANZU!

Words of Wisdom

I wanted to share this verse with you that the Lord told the nation of Israel. It is from the Old Testament in 2 Chronicles 15:7, "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."

I think that verse is great and can be applied to our work as martial artists. It is a lot of hard work to become a black belt, but we have to keep going on and we will be rewarded!

So Simple!

I came across a quote this morning-thanks to my new friend Chris Feldt in SC-that struck me as so simple, yet so difficult to do for many in our world today. As martial artists I think that it is these simple things that really make us stand out in society and sends a message to others that martial arts is not about fighting it is about peace.....words and ideas can have more impact on our enemies than our fists.

"Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind." – Henry James (1843-1916)

A work in progress

This summer has been one of the best.I'm totally excited for everything that will be coming my way in the future.I have been practicing all summer long to get better at things in Martial Arts .Special Training has helped me especially.Doing that once a week has helped me alot to be a better runner,how to use more intensity when I'm tired,and so much more.I believe that Special Training is one of the most important things that a person could do in the Martial Arts world.If it wasn't for Mrs.Wilmott or Mr.Trank I don't know if I would be as good of a martial artist like I am today so thanks.I have to say even though I've been practicing as much as I can for this upcoming Power Camp I'm still a little bit nervous,but I know that I will pass.Alot of the times I can get frustrated with myself so to calm down I just keep working at it,then I learn how to do it the correct way.We all have problems in martial arts and in the outside world sometimes,but the thing that we need to remember,is that everyone should have someone to look up to whether they have problems or not.That's what makes us stronger as a roll model, as a friend,and as a person.With the love,support,and all the positive energy that surrounds us,we can make it through anything together.By keeping that in mind we will always know that if you keep working hard at something it will become a work in progress.

Challenging Summer

I have been practicing really hard this summer. The entire summer has been based on martial arts, but I still have a lot to work on. Sometimes it is very frustatrating, because I practice several hours a day. But I realize it is good to have a lot to work on, because then I will be an even better black belt. And I realize I will always have to do more to become better. Thank you Mrs. Wilmott for helping me to reach my potential and my goal. And thank you Mr. Trank for correcting me and helping me. You are both terrific!

Congratulations to the entire black belt and senior red belt team for being on the team!

The Journey Continues...

Hello Team!

Now is the time to re-formulate your goals, make a plan, and take massive action!

What do you want?

How are you going to get it?

Who are your role models?

Are you taking action every day?

How are you going to check your progress?

Good luck!

a new begining

AH. I reached my goal for martial arts. I became a BLACK BELT so did MR.TRANK and BROOKE.And MRS.WILMOTT got her 3rd degree advanced BLACK BELT.I want to say congrats to everyone who got their new rank.Black belt is a new beginning for all of us.Just as the black belt creed states martial arts shall always be a part of my life.The reason I mention this now is because it's true it will always be a part of my life.

Black Belt Convocation

Saturday was an amazing day for everyone.Everybody got their new ranks including Mrs.Wilmott,Mr.Trank,Cam,and I.We all had an awesome time doing the demonstration,recieving our new ranks, and the potluck dinner.Also a big congrats to Master Callaway for earning his fifth degree Black Belt!!I would like to thank those of you that stayed for our Convocation,we really appreciated it.Well anyway,during the premotion I was really comforted by the warm and gentle hearts of others.After recieving our new Ranks/Belts we were all excited.When we had to go over and give everyone a hug it was really nice.Just like what Mr.Houck said, martial arts is like an extended family even when someone is new.When that part of the Convocation was done it was really neat to see Master Callaway and Grand-master Kuek each recieve gifts from the academy.I think that I speak for everyone when I say that Master Callaway you've really earned to get to where you are now.As for Grand master Kuek you've always been a great master to follow and I know that you will be proud with Master Callaway.Keep working hard!at the demonstration part well that was the easiest,it was fun,and it was very entertaining to hear everyone's profile.I also liked to watch the preformance part of the Convocation.When the potluck dinner was going on we all had a blast. Mr.Trank,Jess Mrs.Wilmott,Olivia,Cam,my mom,and I talked the whole entire time.The food that was brought was some of the best food that I've ever tasted.Especially Mrs.Wilmott's chocolate chip vegan cookies.They were to DIE FOR!!All in all it was a fun day even cleaning up afterwards.To Mr.Trank,Cam,and Mrs.Wilmott keep striving for higher excellence.You guys are The Bomb!!!!

Parents

"Hello to all parents. I am a karate mom 3 years and counting. I never thought when my children stared martial arts that they would get this far. I told them they couldn't quit but we all know how that can go. To my amazement they are now getting ready to accept their new rank as probationary Jr. black belts. How awesome is that?!!!!!!! I am so proud of them. And I wanted to be able to share my journey with all of you. It has been great,frustrating, rewarding, exciting ect. I have seen my children grow in ways I never thought possible. All do to their instructor HeidiWilmott!!! Thank you so much for being able to have the classes so that the kids could join. I have taken an amazing journey along with Brooke and Cameron. I travel 5-7 days a week taking them to and from classes, tests, tournaments. It is time consuming that is so worth it! I would advise anyone who is interested in it to go and see what martial arts is all about. They will have it with them the rest of their life. I am so proud of all of the students. And it feels like an extended family. I look forward to seeing everyone when I go to class. I look forward to continue the journey with them. If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask."

-Karen Howell

Thank You

First I would like to say Thank You to the people who have supported me through this long journey, but especially to Mrs. Wilmott YOU ROCK!!!!!!! (after all I am your personal cheerleader)lol To Brooke and Mr. Trank you have helped me through some tough times. Thanks for helping me push through it. Again back to Mrs. Wilmott, thank you for teaching me all I needed to know to make it this far. When I first started I never imagined I would make it this far. I wanted to but the journey seemed so far away. But look at me now. I actually did it. Wow. Mrs. Wilmott thank you for telling me about the black belt success cycle it worked!! This is an awesome experience and a great opportunity to help me through life so if I ever need to use martial arts I can defend myself. And to everyone who is in martial arts it is a long hard journey. There will be alot of bumps in the road. But if you know you want it you should see your goal in your head, don't worry about the obsticals in front of it, just practice and train hard and you will reach your goal. After all look at me. I am 8 and I made it. A Jr. Black belt. Wow

Black Belt here we come

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A Quote

Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.
— Sir Winston Churchill - British politician (1874 - 1965

black belt test

I want to first off say thank you to everyone who has supported all of us in our journey to black belt. I do not believe that if we did not have all of you it would not have happened. The test was one of the most amazing experiences that I have ever had. All of the testers put everything that they had into everything that they did the energy was amazing. I feel so honored to have had the chance to participate in the test. I really do not know how to describe the feelings that I have had since taking the test. I really feel as though It is something that everyone should have the chance to experience. Thank you to Brooke and cam, you two were really inspiring and I thank you both very much you both did an awesome job and should be extremely pleased with yourself. Mrs. Wilmott thank you so much for showing us the way and giving us the tools and the inspiration to carry on even though things got tough you still pushed us to do our best so thank you very much. Anyone who reads this and wonders if they will ever get to black belt or may not be able to hack it just remember, no matter what your training throws at you just keep a positive outlook on things and always keep in mind your goal that no matter what happens never give up never give in it will happen just in its own time

Black Belt Test

May 9, 2009

"Carrying on the traditions and teachings of those that have come before you is not an easy task. It requires an individual of a humble heart, unyielding dedication and a person who has great respect for his artform. The world is proud to have an individual like yourself, one that continues to make the art available to another generation and for generations to come." Sifu Michael Matsuda 

I couldn't have said it better myself...Congratulations on reaching the next step of the journey! 

Power Camp

Well we made it through power camp. It was a long, hard, fun day. First of all I just want to say congrats to everyone who did power camp. What a day. Poor Brooke woke up sick. But she still went to power camp and we started the day out with the mile and a half run. Brooke got sick after the run but she continued through the day. I didn't tell her to her face (but hey I am her brother. LOL) but she rocked. I was so proud of her. Mr. Trank rocked too. And thank you Mr. Trank for not only doing what you needed to, to get through camp but Thank you for looking out for Brooke and Me. You are so caring! You Rock. Mrs. Wilmott took her test also and she did great. Good job to all. I feel more prepared for the black belt test now. I know what to expect so I'm not as nervous. I felt very lucky to have a second chance to do the mock test. Not everyone gets a second chance at something so I was very grateful for that. I look forward to taking the black belt test. I feel very prepared for it now. Thank you to all that gave us encouragement that means alot to me.

Kwan Zu!

Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results. -Anon-

Latest Update

Well as the time came to figure out if Cameron Mr.Trank and I passed it was very nerve racking.I don't know if Mr.Trank was nervous,or relaxed to figure out if he passed since he broke every single one of his boards at the test.While as for Cam and I we were just a little bit.When we found out on Monday that we didn't pass we were devastated at first.But hey, it's just a learning experience right.It took a couple of days to adjust to the fact that it's just giving us more time to prepare for the test in October.Here's the exciting part.On Wednesday after school, my mom told us about the make-up mock black belt test on the fifth of April .When I heard the news I was overwhelmed. After that I said to myself ''OK so from now until Sunday I will practice as hard as I can, to pass this test.''On Sunday if I don't happen to pass, at least I'll be prepared for the next one.But I know I will pass because I will have a positive attitude.Mrs. Wilmott also gave me some encouraging words.She told me not to think of it as a test,but to think of it as a tournament.I mean, going up against the Jr.black belts in the tournament was challenging but I wanted to place, and I did.So when I go up there to test again on Sunday I will remember Mrs.Wilmott's words and taking them to heart.Before I sign off I would like to thank everyone who is supporting cam and I, specifically Mr.trank and Mrs.Wilmott.You guys have brought my confidence up to a new high level in Martial Arts.You guys rock the academy in my opinion.

Tests

At my last black belt test i did not pass and it was devestateing but when i found out i had a second chanse i was so exsited. Im glad master kuek is doing this because its a second chanse for not only for me but for every one who did not pass the 1st time.

The Black Belt Success Cycle

1. Know what you want! Decide what it is that you want and set your goal. 

2. Have a plan...and a success coach. Decide what you are going to do in order to reach your goal and find someone who has already been where you want to be to help you. Write it down in detail and be specific. Your coach can help guide the formation of your plan and keep you focused.

3. Take consistent action! Nothing will happen unless you act on your plan everyday. Be consistent in your actions and keep track of your progress. Practice, practice, practice!

4. Review and Renew your goals. Testing is your opportunity to check the progress you are making towards your goal. It is not a "pass" or "fail" situation but an opportunity to re-evaluate your plan and make changes to it if necessary. If you do not succeed the first time, try to figure out why and adjust your plan if necessary.

The journey to Black Belt is full of victories and disappointments. It is how we handle the "bumps in the road" that determines the quality of the destination. 

Your Black Belt Test

"A black belt test should be your Olympics. It ought to make you reach, grow, stretch, and change. It should be something you work for, in advance, 1, 2, 3, 4, and even 10 years; and I mean “work for” as in “in-training” –where every meal, every workout, every day is lived with an awareness that the test is coming.

Why? Because life just doesn’t give you many of those kinds of opportunities (any more).

Testing should make you eat differently (and with great awareness). It should be a reason to get in the absolute best shape of your life. It should cause you to look deeply at how you deal with stress, conflict, and anger.

A black belt test is one of those rare opportunities where you can change just about anything about yourself that you want to –and that you should, and nobody would think less of you. In fact, people would say something (in each other’s ear after you walk out of the room) like,“He’s getting ready to test for his black belt.”

If everyone treated their black belt test as if it were THE MOST important and empowering day of their lives, well…shoot, people would change (and for the better), the martial arts would get more recognition and respect for some of the things that are, really, most valuable about studying, and if we were really lucky, the world might be a wee bit better for it –as it would be filled with more people who hold themselves to higher standards."

-Tom Callos

Just wanted to make a few comments

I also would like to thank everyone that has helped me along this path to black belt. I have had some rough spots in my life recently and it has made things difficult to keep my eye on the goal at all times. Through all life's troubles I have had many people to keep me on track and refocus me on the tasks that I want to and need to accomplish. As i said in the post I made to Brooke I thank cam and you for showing me that determination and willingness to go the extra mile can and will pay off. Thank you Mrs Wilmott for all of the knowledge and values that you have instilled in us you are a inspiration to us all. Thank you to the martial arts extended family that we have and the school you are all a very important part of the success that we have had. I also would like to thank Jessica and Olivia, your support and understanding for all the long hours of training is something that means the world to me and I am so lucky to have you both. Well to close this post i would like to say that no matter what the world throws at you, no matter how hard life becomes always know that if you are positive, focus on what you want out of life, no matter the challenges you will succeed.

Thanks for everthing

First I would like to thank Mrs.Wilmott for helping everyone in our Martial Arts classes to make us closer to our black belt.I know that you can get stressed sometimes,but you put your all into karate to help everyone get better at it each and everyday.You also helped me keep my cool when I got stressed or tired and I thank you for everything. I would also like to thank Mr.Trank and my brother Cameron for helping me get better at my forms.Cam, you helped me get better just by me helping you.Mr.Trank,you helped by working with me on my curriculum for the tests.Well all in all you guys are my inspirations through my journey in martial arts.THANKS A LOT GUYS.YOU ROCK

Learn, Live and Love

It has been a while since I have written but we don't have the internet at our house right now. So I am making time now to update everyone on what I have been doing. I am now a senior red belt. I still strive to be my very best. For everyone in martial arts, do your very best to live with the consequences that can come your way. Do the best you can to learn what you are taught in class and to apply it to your everyday life. And if you really love martial arts strive to your higher belt ranks and practice everyday.

It's True

It is true about what tae kwon do is about. I try hard everyday to live by the student oath. Sometimes I forget about my actions but hey I am only human right? The closer the test gets the more I think about what I need to know. I am afraid that I may not pass the test the first time but I guess that is ok too. Not everyone passes the first time. It will make me stronger. But I don't plan to fail. I am working my hardest to be ready.

4 Things To Focus On When You Train

1. Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 Ten being your best, one being your absolute worst-How are you performing? Are you giving your best?

2. Is anyone better than me? Who around me is giving more energy, doing sharper technique, getting better with each repetition?

3. Where am I?-What am I doing?-Am I learning anything? Focus on the moment, on reality-is what you are doing real and effective?

4. Am I getting better? Self analysis will help you identify your strengths and weakness and assist you in reaching your goals.

"Moo-Oui-Jung-Ja"

The purpose of Tae Kwon Do is not to exhibit superior strength, nor is it about showing superior fighting skills when we spar or practice.

The study of Tae Kwon Do is about learning to give love and respect to others and serious students of the art exhibit these qualities in all that they do.

This is the essence of "moo-oui-jung-ja".