Earning a black belt is far more than reaching the next rank in martial arts; it is a symbol of dedication, perseverance, leadership, and personal growth. For Braxton, this milestone represents over 10 years of consistent training, countless hours of practice, and an unwavering commitment to excellence both inside and outside the Dojang.

His training has included learning more than 50 strikes, over 204 self-defence techniques, 5 open-hand forms, and 5 weapon forms featuring Dan Bong, Staff, and Sword Etiquette. Along the way, he has also spent four years teaching and mentoring younger students, helping them build confidence and develop the same values that martial arts instilled in him.

His journey has taken him to more than ten tournaments, including provincial and national competitions, where he earned multiple gold medals and achieved the title of Provincial Champion. This fall, he will take the next step in his competitive career as he prepares to represent Rise Above Martial Arts at the WKC World Championships in Spain, his first international tournament experience.

As part of his black belt testing requirements, Braxton was asked to reflect on what this milestone means to him. In this reflection, he shares how martial arts has shaped his character, the challenges he faced on his path to black belt, and the lessons he hopes to pass on to others beginning their own martial arts journey.

What does earning your black belt mean to you personally?

Earning a black belt means something different to everyone, but for me, earning my black belt is just a small step in the right direction. While some people see a black belt as the end of their martial arts journey, I see it as the beginning. After more than 10 years of training, earning my black belt will be a huge accomplishment that represents years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work. It shows that I continued to push forward through challenges and stayed committed to my goals.

To me, a black belt is not a symbol of mastery, but a reminder that there is always more to learn. No matter how much experience someone has, everyone is still a beginner in something. Earning my black belt will motivate me to continue learning more about our style, cross-train in other martial arts, and keep improving as both a martial artist and a person. It also represents the support and guidance I have received from my instructors, coaches, friends, and family, who have helped me reach this milestone.

How has martial arts changed you since the day you walked into class?

Martial arts has changed my life in many ways, but since the day I first walked into class, I would say my attitude has changed the most. As a white belt, I thought there was nothing to learn or gain from training. Even at the age of seven, I had a poor attitude. From talking back to rolling my eyes, I was the perfect example of someone who had a bad attitude. However, after years of training and many push-ups later, my attitude has completely changed both in and out of the Dojang.

Martial arts has also helped me become much more confident in myself. Whether it is speaking in front of my class, helping younger students during lessons, or competing at tournaments, I have learned how to step outside of my comfort zone and trust in my abilities. The lessons I have learned through training have carried over into my everyday life, helping me become more disciplined, respectful, and confident at school, the Dojang and everyday life.

What was the biggest challenge you faced on your path to a black belt, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I have faced on my path to earning a black belt has been time management. Balancing life as a student-athlete is already difficult, but trying to manage school, training, and a social life at the same time has been even more challenging. With training six days a week, I often have to make sacrifices and carefully prioritize my responsibilities. Such as having to prioritize Nationals training over social outings, during the weeks approaching nationals I would have to set boundaries with my friends to make sure I felt prepared and adhered to my training schedule.

Although it has been difficult at times, learning to manage my time effectively has taught me valuable lessons about responsibility, commitment, and self-discipline. It has forced me to become more organized and make the most of the time I have available. Looking back, I believe these challenges have helped me grow not only as a martial artist but also as a student and a person, preparing me for future responsibilities both inside and outside the Dojang.

What moment during training made you realize you could actually achieve this goal?

I do not think I will truly realize that I am this close to achieving a goal like earning my black belt until it is tied around my waist. However, there have been many moments throughout my journey that have made the goal feel realistic. Competing at Nationals, completing the entire colour belt curriculum, and advancing through each belt rank have all shown me how much progress I have made over the years.

As I moved through the ranks and began helping teach younger students, I started to realize how much knowledge and experience I had gained. What once seemed impossible as a young white belt slowly became achievable through years of hard work and dedication. Looking back at where I started compared to where I am now reminds me of how far I have come, not only as a martial artist but also as a person. While earning my black belt still feels somewhat unreal, these experiences have shown me that I am capable of reaching such a goal.

What responsibilities come with wearing a black belt?

Many responsibilities come with wearing a black belt, but to me, the most important are showing respect to everyone, being open-minded to the ideas and suggestions of others, and always demonstrating integrity, even when it is difficult. A black belt is not just a symbol of skill or achievement; it is a symbol of leadership and responsibility. While earning a black belt shows years of hard work and dedication, it also means being held to a higher standard both inside and outside the Dojang.

Younger students often look up to black belts as role models, so it is important to set a positive example through both actions and attitude. This means treating others with respect, demonstrating good sportsmanship, helping those who are struggling, and continuing to learn with humility. A black belt should never believe they know everything. Instead, they should remain open to learning from instructors, fellow students, and new experiences. To me, wearing a black belt means representing the values I believe every day and striving to be someone that others can look up to and learn from.

What advice would you give someone thinking about starting martial arts?

The best advice I could give to someone thinking about starting martial arts is simple: do not wait. Many people say they want to start, but they keep putting it off because they are nervous, busy, or waiting for the “right time.” The truth is that there will never be a perfect time to start something new. Even trying something that you think you might not enjoy is better than never trying at all, because you may end up discovering a passion that changes your life.

Many people also avoid martial arts because they worry that they are not fit enough, skilled enough, or experienced enough. However, every black belt was once a beginner who knew nothing. Nobody walks into their first class as an expert. Martial arts is not about being perfect; it is about learning, improving, and becoming a better version of yourself each day. The hardest part is often walking through the door for the first time, but once you do, you gain the opportunity to build confidence, discipline, friendships, and skills that can benefit you for the rest of your life. Looking back, I am incredibly grateful that I started when I did, and I would encourage anyone who is interested to take that first step and give it a try.

Beyond the Black Belt

A black belt is often viewed as the finish line, but for Braxton, it represents the beginning of a new chapter. The skills, knowledge, and achievements earned over the past decade are a testament to the power of hard work, consistency, and a willingness to push beyond personal limits. From his first day stepping onto the training floor to becoming an instructor, champion competitor, and black belt, every challenge has contributed to the person and martial artist he is today.

For anyone considering martial arts, Braxton’s experience offers a simple message: don’t be afraid to start. The journey may be challenging, but the confidence, friendships, life skills, and personal growth gained along the way are worth every step.