Filling your belt

I'm writing this blog post, because another beautiful nuance of Taekwondo recently hit me. I was presenting students with their new belts after a promotion test, and started noticing, really noticing  and appreciating the colors.

Toward the end of the color belt journey, the amount of black on the belt grows and becomes more visible. Red with a black stripe (1st Gup), Bo Dan (half red/half black), then Black Belt. This got me thinking about how a student must work to "fill" in the color of their belt when they are awarded it.

Ever find yourself asking, "How did THAT person ever get promoted?!"  Come on, admit it.  We've all done it. "That person is no where near as good a blue/red/black belt as I am (or was)!"  This may be true. But remember, you've been at your belt for a while.  When someone is promoted or graduates, they have demonstrated the requisite minimum acceptable knowledge, skills and standards of their course of study. This applies to any pursuit or profession including Taekwondo.  Now the work begins.  It's up to the individual to work to "fill" his/her belt with color.

Filling your belt means working every day to earn it.  Learning the kicks, blocks, forms, stances required of that belt.  Having the discipline, focus and leadership that comes with being awarded that belt. Because if you don't, the color starts to fade.  It fades in the eyes of the person that gave it to you, and fade in the eyes of those that others that see it.

So until next time, tie your belt on, get on the mat, train hard and fill it with color!