The 15th generation Black Belt exam has finally come to a close. As Black Belt tests are expected to end within the span of 3 hours, many parts of the test were shortened or cut to maintain audience retention and to preserve the stamina of our athletes. Despite these changes, our testers were able to perform well to the best of their abilities. They were all nervous and stiff but still managed to get successful results.
For this belt test, we had one of the parents speak on behalf of the audience. This gave everyone a good perspective into the lives of our testers and how they became the way they are today.
To the parents who support your children in persevering all the way to black belt, thank you! You have taught your children the value of determination and perseverance. As many children in our modern society are very likely to give up from the smallest ounce of hardship, your children will not. Your kids will carry things out to the end, never quitting, never giving up, with pride and mental fortitude. May they take these values with them beyond SKZ into their future and daily lives.
We would like to thank our judges for showing up to help out for this testing event. This tournament was composed of 3 guest judges from the IWSD Black Belt Testing Committee. Every time they come to take part for a black belt test, they show an air of confidence that sets the bar for how a Black Belt test should be.
Thank you to our 4 in-house judges Gavin, Odin, Frank, and Vincent for your participation. Your presence was both comforting to our testers and helpful for our guest judges.
Thank you to the organizing judge Shifu Andy for being the life blood that kept the Black Belt exam alive and running smoothly.
To all the testing participants who earned your newest Black Belts, congratulations! You never gave up and toughed it out to the end. Although a black belt may seem like the end, it’s only the beginning. Black Belt is where you try to learn skills beyond simple forms and acrobatics. Skills that may be useful for a successful career, skills that may be useful for your high school to college life, skills that may be useful for your life in general. Remember, even if your journey in Kungfu ends, Kungfu will always be there when you return. Congratulations!
To any students who attended to watch the Black Belt test, we hope you had fun. This test gives you a sneak peek into what it’s like to participate in a Black Belt test. When it’s your turns, you’ll be better prepared.
