Today we’ll be looking for some #Mondaymorningmotivation at the highest level. 

Photo by Panther Taekwondo Black Belt Academy, used with permission.

A black belt is the highest level of attainment in Taekwondo. But it’s much more than just a technical qualification or a sign that you’ve mastered certain technical skills to a very high level – although by this time you’ll certainly have done that.

Before anyone is awarded a black belt, we are looking at their attitude and behaviour outside their martial arts practice, not just how they act with they are there. If we’re dealing with a young student, we have discussions with parents, asking them about the behaviour of the young person at home as well. We want to know that the qualities we are looking for have taken root and are being expressed beyond the classroom.

We are looking for the quality of fortitude

We’re looking for a person who knows that to win, he or she has to work hard and consistently. It isn’t necessary to be top of the class – just that you want to be!

We’re looking for fortitude: that’s a quieter, stronger quality. We’re not so interested in the class clown as the guy who’s looking to govern the class clown, creating order and a respectful environment for learning and for work.

We’re looking for the right attitude to figure of authority, whether that’s parents and carers, teachers or boss. We want independent strength coupled with the ability to cooperate with others and act in the interests of a group.  Strong individuals build strong communities.

And there’s even more to it than, that, as I’ll be explaining in my next blogs.