It is a good day today (as is every day). I woke this morning with a sense of vigor and energy because we are going to test our third group of folks (total of 7) to 1st or 2nd degree black belt beginning tonight!

I'm excited because I've seen a sense of commitment from these folks - we don't "mandate" they train every day in the dojang. We request each of the BB candidates to keep a journal of additional training - to not only be accountable to themselves, but also engage in training outside of the traditional class.

Our BB candidates must also "perform acts of kindness" for family members. Some of the more notable have included picking up after various farm animals, including; chickens, horses, bunnies, etc., I'm sure it wasn't the most fun thing to do. The idea is the Black Belt candidate will lead by example. Yes, it's possible they will do these "acts of kindess" begrudgingly, but our hope is after 30-60 days, they not only become a good habit, but the candidate realizes it's not such a "bad" thing to help and do things they wouldn't normally do around the home (maybe, who knows?)

Similarly, God calls us to pick up our cross each day and follow Him. Doing so doesn't mean every day is going to be wonderful or without issue. In fact, in the book of James it states, "Consider it pure joy when your faith is tested!" Getting out of our comfort zone, and "doing acts of kindness," is similar to picking up our cross each day and deliberately deciding to follow Him - it's being obedient and doing what we know is right!

I take a deep breath as I write this, because we are welcoming in another group of folks into the tradition of our black belt test, but also our black belt family.

Our first degree test is a minimum of 2 days. Self-defense (hoshin sul), falling/rolling (nok sul), tu sul (throwing), forms (poomse), joint locks (kwon jyel sul), sparring, self-defense against grabs, and breaking make up most of our test. If there were one area where most folks get a bit nervous, is the traditional "bull pen" or "elevator drill" we put people through. In essence, they stand in the middle of their class mates. As I call out a number, that corresponding person will come out and attack. After the first 10-15 attacks, the "tori/japgi" gets a bit more focused. After 30-40 attacks, they are undoubtedly winded, but they are required to finish. The point of this bull pen or elevator drill is to maintain composure, and simply NOT STOP until the uke/batgi is controlled.

Regarding the black belt family, there's a bond that I'm sure all of you who are black belts understand. You all know what it's like to go through this grueling test, and to know you've gotten past this point.

The journey has just begun.

I can only imagine the heavenly joy God must have when people look toward Him, and accept Him as Father, and Christ as the savior. My favorite verse says it all, Proverbs 16:9 - "In his heart, a man plans his course, but it is the Lord who determines his steps." The goal may be the same for everyone in martial arts, but God will determine the ups and downs of training, the perseverance required, the self-control and patience.

Congratulations to everyone who has achieved black belt - you have accomplished something that continues to hold meaning and significance - now go and use that same perseverance to make the world a better place by being servant leaders in your communities.

In Him... Chabutee (also pronounced chiburi)