Imagine the day you always waited for finally coming, but you are dreading it as well. Picture riding in the car with a mix of excitement and fear.
Well, that is exactly what I felt on Dec 6, 2022, when I tested for my senior black belt at Action Karate in Jamison. I had been training and striving to get this belt since I started karate in 2014.
My name is Evan O’Connor, and I am 13 years old.
When I was 4 years old, I was very shy with new people and was hesitant to try anything new. When Action Karate instructors came to my school to give out free classes, it was almost meant to be. They asked people to guess a number and the closest number got a free uniform and month of classes. I guessed the number exactly.
For the next couple of years, karate helped me with self-confidence, grit, determination and perseverance. Overall, karate really shaped me into the person I am today.
In the months leading up to the black belt test in December, I would come to karate every week to review and train. I really do think that those classes taught me how important preparation is and that procrastination can be harmful to success. I also started to think this way in school.
On the day of Dec. 6 my emotions were clashing. I was super excited because this was the day I’ve been training and waiting for, but I was also nervous not knowing what my results were going to be. I was tired, but I had energy at the same time because the karate studio was so supportive. Overall, my dedication and hard work paid off. I was promoted to senior black belt, and I felt so proud of myself.
Karate is very beneficial for kids of all ages. First, it builds confidence and enforces healthy habits. Karate instructors are also very helpful and provide great role models.
Most importantly, karate has taught me how set and achieve long-term goals. I earned my senior black belt by earning different colored belts and along the way. During that time, I always had goals in mind that kept me motivated and interested in karate classes.
Action Karate Jamison has really taught me a lot of important life skills, and I truly hope to inspire others to take their own karate journey!
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