I'm one year away of embarking on my life as an adult which they say starts at the age of 18. It seems very relevant that at the same time I am one step away from achieving what most people see as the ultimate in Martial Arts, a black belt. It's only at this point that I can see how developing from the age of 7, which I was when I began my martial arts journey, to the approach of adulthood has been synonymous to my development and growth from white belt to the illustrious black belt.
As a young child, you are forever wanting to be an adult. Yet, having to stop and think about why, it's hard to know whether it's because you are sick of being told what to do or because of the sense that adults have the ultimate freedom to do whatever they want. It is very much the same when you start out as a white belt in Martial Arts, thinking to reach a black belt means you know it all and can be the teacher. Now, one step away from both adulthood and Black Belt, I am starting to see how reaching a black belt and turning 18 is just the beginning of another very long journey: life.
As a kid, everything is a learning curve, from climbing trees, riding a bike, playing sports and other basic everyday adventures. It's the same when starting out in Martial Arts as a white belt, you learn the basic kicks, blocks and punches and practice them over and over again in order to improve your technique and make these fundamentals second-nature. In the early stages you are forever looking at older people or higher belt grades, wanting to do the more advanced things you see them doing. The things you are not able to do now but see others having the ability is an inspiration and something to keep you wanting to progress. .
Martial Arts is a step by step process that involves the 3 dimensions of health; Physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual. My overall physical health as an individual in taekwondo has had its up and downs.