On Sunday, January 18th, after a 5-hour long test, 4 of our students were promoted to the rank of black belt. It is worth noting that this is only the second black belt test administered at our school, since Tigon Martial Arts opened in Belchertown in 2006.

Black Belt is a rank coveted by many, yet worn by few. The journey to black belt is a long and difficult one that is filled with many setbacks along the way. Although many begin martial arts with the desire to someday wear a black belt, it is those who have a true love for the journey, who are the ones that do. These 4 ladies have been my students for many years, and one thing I can say without a doubt, is that they all share a genuine passion for the martial arts. One of these ladies broke her hip playing soccer just months before the test, but despite a broken hip she was still at the dojo each week watching class until her injury healed. Each has faced their own challenges, and it was their love for the martial arts, not a belt, that kept them moving forward with their journey even in the face of adversity.

Black belt is much more than a piece of cloth that you wear around your waist, it’s something that you become. Congratulations ladies, through years of dedication and hard work you have proven that you are black belts!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPLs7R_zI04&feature=youtu.be