Your Day Old Bread: Black Belt Cycles

As many of my friends know, both of our younger children are very active in mixed martial arts (karate) and have been enrolled at Lavalles USA Black Belt Champions Cicero dojo for a little over three years. The kids have grown a lot in those three years, and together my wife and I are certain that the decision to get the kids involved at this location is one of the best decisions we've ever made regarding their upbringing. Modesty, Courtesy, Integrity, Self Control, Perseverance, and Indomitable Spirit are the underlying tenets of their role as members of this "extended family"

My 11 year old son earned his Black Belt after two cycles. He's an athletic type and while hard work, he made it seem like it was a simple walk in the park. My beautiful 9 year old daughter is now in her second cycle, and is finding it more challenging. She does a great job in class sessions, but the required running is a tremendous hurdle for her. She's been working hard running four times a week in an effort to lower her times to the benchmark set by Master Sgarlata. Yesterday she was 19 seconds away from passing that benchmark, and honorably, the Master offered her another chance. That didn't go well at all. She's upset, but we're trying to keep a positive outlook and will be there to encourage her next time.

Cycles are a much more intense workout than regular classes are, because the student is proving that they've worked hard enough to go to the next level. They spend a great deal of time working out and exercising to meet the goals required for that next level. They're 16 weeks of having a carrot dangled in front of them, the carrot being their next belt whether it be first degree, second degree, third or beyond. You won't get to cycle if you haven't earned the opportunity, and you won't make it to Power Weekend if you don't meet the goals. for some these goals and challenges are more difficult than others but the Masters and Sensei's won't invite people into cycle that they don't believe posses the "gumption" needed to succeed. There's people who have needed up to nine cycles to achieve their next level, but those in charge believed enough in them to keep at them until they made it through.

That's what the martial arts is about. It's not about kicking someones butt, it's not about breaking boards and cinder blocks (although that is one of the more popular aspects of Power Weekend!). It's about the discipline to succeed. It's about believing in yourself. It's about Modesty, Courtesy, Integrity, Self Control, Perseverance, and Indomitable Spirit as I mentioned before. I feel a bit of a hypocrite for not enrolling myself. Unfortunately health concerns prohibit that from becoming a reality. But being around people who live these principles has helped to make them a part of my life also. I can't run with them or work out with them but I can live the principles that I expect them to.