Jen’s Journey: Building Determination on the Path to Black Belt

Here’s an example of a student’s path to gaining determination on their way to black belt. Let’s call her Jen.

Jen started karate because she really needed a boost in confidence. She was one of those kids who seemed scared of the world and gave up on things as soon as they got hard. Jen spent a lot of her early classes crying and running off the mat. At this point, Jen’s determination came entirely from her mom. Her mom knew what kind of strong and determined person Jen could become and wasn’t going to give up on that vision.

Jen’s instructors were patient and caring. They understood what she was there to gain. They didn’t yell at her or come down hard when she ran off the mat crying. But they also didn’t give up. They knew where she could go, and they met her where she was to bring her to where she needed to be. They would convince her it was okay, encourage her to try, and then, after she was successful, point out that she had faced her fears, found her determination, and pushed through.

This was a slow, steady, and sometimes painful journey toward strength and determination. Then, at her black belt test, Jen got hit hard. Her mom and instructor both held their breath. Just six months earlier, that would have been the end of it—she’d have been off crying. But by then, Jen was determined to be a black belt, and nothing was going to stop her. Instead of crying, she got that look on her face that said, Oh no, you didn’t. Now it’s my turn.

Jen, who has a diagnosed anxiety disorder and a 504 plan at school, confidently taught an adult class of over 20 people shortly after earning her black belt. Jen was 10 years old when she tested.

A strong level of determination is common in our black belts, and not all that common with the rest of their generation. Building a strong habit of determination is another black belt advantage.

Want to help your child build the same kind of determination Jen did?

👉 Try 3 classes for just $19.99 at True Balance Karate in Downers Grove!
We meet kids where they are, and help them grow into the confident, capable leaders they’re meant to be.

📞 Call us at 630-663-2000
🌐 Visit www.truebalancekarate.com

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