Finally a "Be"!!

After several years of study and several belt tests, I was slowly and deliberately moving to become a “be” .. the third stage of the cycle. I worked up the rainbow ladder of belts … White through Brown. The next rung in the dojo pecking order was the mystical, illusive Black belt. It’s siren called to me. It became louder as I progressed calling me, tempting me, challenging me. Through the array of sprains, bruised ribs and broken toes, I felt I was earning my chance through literal blood, sweat and tears…manly tears of course.

The second Black belt test was the charm. Each test preceded with six months of hard training, 6 days a week, 2 to 3 hours a day. Soon after, I received notice that I achieved my Shodan, first degree black belt . I was so thankful and proud. Sensai announced it at class and all the students applauded. At least in my own mind I heard the crowd roar. It felt good and I knew in my heart that it was not given to me. I earned the right to wear that crisp new black belt. My family was proud and I was proud. It felt good, beyond good, to actually achieve a dream … at long last. Even a friend down the block gave me a card affirming that the neighborhood was much safer now. Indeed it was.

The swagger immediately followed. Bowing into the dojo and walking though the ranks of the lower belts meant something. Being bowed to was not just a thrill and boost to the ego. It was recognition of a long awaited and hard fought achievement. Every student knew it because they were going through the same journey and had the same “wanna be” dream.

It was so very gratifying to achieve this goal. For once in my life, I was a “be”!! It took me a long time, a lot of effort and much sacrifice. It was all worth it. I joined an elite corp. I was a “be”. I was a somebody, Charlie!