When students go for their Black Belt testing, they submit an essay that reflects on the years of training and learning that have gone into their Black Belts. Here are a few excerpts from our graduating class’s essay in January, 2010.
Alex Shalhoub
“I have been a first degree black belt since June 2007. I have worked hard during these last two years to earn my second degree black belt. During my black belt training, I have learned many things. I have learned to be more serious during class. As a black belt, I am now an example for the underbelts and need to teach them how a black belt behaves. Black belts aren’t silly in class, don’t joke around during class and don’t talk to others while the instructor is talking. Black belts are respectful to others.
Most of all, black belt training has given me more confidence in myself. I have performed in front of people during class and at the graduations and am always confident that I will do a good job because I have practiced what I have to do a lot. I am also confident that I could defend myself if attacked, and that I wouldn’t be scared.”
Kaitlin Brown
Jeff Smith’s Mile High karate has done so much for me, in fact I don’t even know where to begin.
First of all they taught me friendship. There is so much to friendship. For example, showing respect, being kind, and care for your friend. That is the most loyal thing you can do! As the saying goes, “Do to others as you want done unto you.” If you follow these steps you friend will love you!
Secondly, Jeff Smiths Mile High Karate taught me discipline. Discipline is buckling down to do your homework after school, right away! Discipline also means exercising instead of watching TV, eating healthy, and taking care of yourself. There is a lot more you can do besides that, if you just put the effort.
I thank Jeff Smith’s Mile High Karate for everything you have done for me.”
Aditya Khera
“I had my birthday party at Jeff Smith Karate this year and my friends had a great time and it was the best birthday party ever. At school everyone knows that I am a karate kid and no one has ever bullied me. Jeff Smith Karate has also taught me never fight to achieve self ends and I have never hurt anyone.
Jeff Smith Karate has taught me to respect my teachers and elders because I started saying “Yes Ma’am” and “Yes Sir” to my teachers at karate class. I continue being respectful even out of karate class and have been called a polite child by my teachers and relatives.”
Jerry Schneider, Age 18
“Leadership training at World Champion Jeff Smith’s Mile High Karate has given me the skills and confidence to be a great leader in karate, college, and even my social life. In karate class I now have the knowledge to not only teach a class, but to really help other students improve their skills. However, one of the most important things I have learned is that leadership begins with leading by example which is why I always try my hardest in class. I find that when I help other students in class, I in turn motivate myself to be better too. In college I have used the leadership skills I learned during study sessions and while doing term projects. Not only do I use my leadership skills to get the help I need for classes, but I also use it to get the attention of my professors whom have asked me to get involved in their research projects. I lead a group of three in my Information Technology class in order to complete a term project, we received an A. At college I find myself surrounded by bad influences and I know that my participation would not only hurt my health, but it would also hurt my grades and my relationships with other people. When I spend time with my friends, I am a leader which lets me ensure that I will not be pressured into doing anything that I don’t want to do. My friends look at me as a leader which I take as a huge responsibility because not only am I leading the group so that we have fun, but I also keep all of us safe and out of trouble. The leadership training I received at World Champion Jeff Smith’s Mile High Karate had proven invaluable to me in all aspects of my life.”
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