from the June, 2010 issue of Kiai!

Parent Pitch: One Mother Experiences
her Son’s Junior Black Belt Test

By: Julie Swift

On April 24th I had the pleasure of watching my son, Graham Burleigh, along with three other karateka, Lucia Frisancho, Jordan Roderick-Fried and Marley Holzman complete a three hour test to receive their junior black belts.  It was an amazing display of perseverance, concentration, and dedication.  These young people showed such maturity in their pursuit of their goals.  This was a very cohesive group of students.  As I looked at them I thought of all their similarities.  Three of the candidates have parents on the Thousand Waves Board of Directors.  Three of the candidates have siblings that are also karate students.  They had tested for other belts together.  They knew their strengths and their weaknesses. 

When it was announced that Graham was eligible to test for Junior Shodan, we were excited and happy for him.  He had set this goal for himself and now it looked like he would be given the chance to achieve his dream.  I realized he had much to do but it wasn’t until a few months later that I understood what it would take to complete all the tasks. 

(photo)Some of the requirements for junior black belt include 120 classes since the award of an advanced brown belt, the completion of a five page essay, and reading two books that have been written by Kaicho.  The candidate really needs to make karate a primary activity during these six months in order to achieve these assignments.  We spent quite a bit of time at the dojo, sometimes four classes a week, in order to complete the class requirement.  I remember talking to Graham about this commitment to make sure he understood what was required.  The five page paper was a tall order for a nine year old.  Along with trying to complete homework requirements, this was probably the most difficult task for him. 

But soon the six month preparation period was coming to an end.  The Thousand Waves community was extremely supportive of the candidates.  Senpai Sarah Krantz was very helpful with advice and suggestions for getting their bodies ready for the three hour test.  There were many suggestions for nutrition and hydration.  Senpais Jacob and Raphael Laden-Guindon met with the candidates to give them help and advice on what to expect during the test.  All four of the karatekas were busy taking notes and asking questions.  Then test day loomed. 

They were amazing.  I think each junior shodan test has its own personality based on the candidates.  Maybe my observation is biased because of Graham’s participation. I think they felt supported by the community and more importantly, supported by each other.  They had done this together and celebrated together. 

After the test there were many congratulations.  But what I didn’t expect were the congratulations given to me.  I hadn’t done the work, Graham did.  It was his achievement.  It felt disingenuous to receive these congratulations.

However I think the reality of youth and teens testing for black belt requires more than their commitment.  It demands the commitment of the family.  Many activities had to be put on hold.  Karate was the priority now.  My younger son, while a karateka himself, spent many more hours in the dojo.  We spent a lot of time going back and forth to Thousand Waves.  Parents are needed to keep the candidate on the correct path.  Are they reading the books?  Is the paper being written?  Where do they need to concentrate in their training?  This is a communal effort for the family.  It isn’t an easy task to earn a black belt.  The kids needed their parents if for nothing other than support and an occasional pat on the back.

After the test was over, the candidates gave each other hugs and exchanged cards and gifts.  And later that night, we all celebrated at the home of Lucia, Margarita and Jeff.  All the new black belts were surrounded by their loved ones – family and teachers.  It was time to celebrate having made it through the six months.  We all made it!

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