Congratulations to all for your promotion. You have all performed very well here today and through hard work you have achieved something remarkable. Remember and cherish this day for the rest of your life.

I would like to remind you all that a black belt is not defined by the colour of belt around his waist. It’s defined by his attitude and general composure in life. A black belt doesn’t give up. He is patient and silent. He talks less and listens more. He helps others, and continuously trains hard to improve his skills. He respects his teachers, instructors, brothers and sisters, parents, and people older than him. Everything begins and ends with respect.

Your mind determines the effect. What happens in our lives is not really important. What’s important is how we react to what happens. Everything is up to your mind. Face your fears in life. Remember that you cannot really see what is happening to you and around you, unless you first understand your fears.

Bragging and showing off is not allowed. People will not judge you by your technique or by the fact that you can remember the steps to a poomsae pattern. But people will expect you to always be honest, truthful, trustworthy, patient and reliable. That’s how I want you to be always.

Achieving black belt status doesn’t mean your job is over. In fact, it all begins now. A black belt is a white belt that has never quit. Throughout your color belt program you have learned all the basics needed to start learning more advanced techniques.

From now on, you must take your training into your own hands. Come to class regularly, train hard, practice your patterns and keep improving. Poomsae performance is a demonstration of a practitioner’s level of understanding of the martial arts. Learn what each movement means and always try to improve your performance through this knowledge.

On our website you will find a library of poomsae, which we are constantly improving. Register online and use this library to you own benefit.

A big “Thank you” to all our masters and instructors for their dedication. Their hard work is reflected in the performances we have seen today. They are here to help you and guide you throughout your journey in the martial arts.

I am looking forward to seeing you all again at your next dan testing. Congratulations once again for your achievement. I am very proud of all of you.

GM Kim
November 29, 2014