Three Seaside Dojo students earn black belts
Seaside Dojo School of Martial Arts recently held a black belt test for three local students. Caden Miller, 16; Dillon Koster, 13; and Josiah Miller, 14, were promoted to the title rank of junior black belt in Tae Kwon Do Aug. 5. The three students began their martial arts journey in the fall of 2012.
The test was conducted over a two-day period. On Aug. 4, each student ran 2 miles, did 200 jumping jacks, 100 push-ups, 100 squat front-kicks and 100 crunches. Upon completion of the fitness requirements, each student then had to do seven katas (forms with sequential blocks, kicks and punches), and review all of their self-defense techniques. On Aug. 5, the students had to demonstrate proficiency in various areas of study, including basics (hand strikes and kicks), self-defense techniques including individual and multiple-attacker scenarios, takedowns and throws, sparring, then culminating with board breaking.
The black belt test and promotion is a very important and emotional event for students. They train through a rigorous curriculum, and prepare for this day physically and mentally. “Our students, adult and youth alike, earn their black belts through discipline, and train exceptionally hard over the period of many years for this special day; our black belts must be earned!” said Sensei Ted Dabbs.
He continued: “In our school, students begin training as early as 3 years old, and may achieve the rank of junior black belt up to the age of 15. At 16 years of age, they become eligible for their senior black belt. As a black belt, each student is encouraged to continue practicing and making the art their own. It is always a thrill to watch our students grow, and this is just one of the very special ways we celebrate their achievements.”
The black belt is typically seen as the pinnacle of achievement in martial arts. For some students, this day is the beginning of a lifelong journey in the martial arts. For many, however, it is the end of the road. Very few students who start martial arts training ever reach their black belt. It is estimated that only 1 percent to 3 percent of students complete their black belt, with even fewer who continue on to higher degrees of black belt. “I know that some students have as their goal to just obtain their black belt,” said Sensei Ted. “They usually don't verbalize or even realize their desire to quit until after they get their black belt. At that point, they feel that they have ‘arrived’ and feel as though there is nothing more to learn. To others, a first-degree black belt is just the first step on the road to accomplishment in the martial arts.”
Seaside Dojo instills within each student that the black belt is just an outward symbol of accomplishment. There is no magic in the belt. Students do not wear their belts outside the dojo, so the belts become an inward symbol of confidence and knowledge. To become a black belt, students must demonstrate things such as respect, discipline and focus. Additionally, students must develop the physical skills to defend themselves and loved ones, while gaining knowledge of how to recognize and avoid danger before a conflict arises. “A black belt is empty without those other things,” said Sensei Ted.
Seaside Dojo, 17543 Nassau Commons Blvd., Lewes, celebrates its fifth anniversary as a member of the local community. The school teaches martial arts programs to kids and adults, specializing in character development, youth leadership and family programs. For more information on Seaside Dojo School of Martial Arts, go to www.SeasideDojo.com or contact Sensei Ted Dabbs at 302-448-9833 or by email at teddabbs@mac.com. Seaside Dojo promotes and strives for the highest standards of age-appropriate curriculum, leadership training, child safety, business integrity and professional ethics.
