Becoming a black belt has improved my life in numerous ways such as my self-esteem, self-confidence, physical conditioning, mental focus and perseverance.

When I started karate I was 8-1/2 years old. I was large for my age and not very athletic. I remember coming home from school and asking my parents, Why am I the biggest kid in my class? I had tried Little League, soccer, Bowling, and basketball prior to starting karate. I didnt like any of them. I did okay in school but being an only child I was rather shy and quiet.

Since I started karate, it has taught me to have self-esteem and self-confidence. Yes, I had to work very hard at things - they did not come easy. With the support of my parents and my extended family at the dojo, I have found that I feel good about myself, that I am able to do things I at first didnt think possible, and my grades in school have improved greatly due to my mental focus. In middle school, I had perfect attendance for 3 years and was always a gold or silver star student. I am a freshman in high school this year, and I attained the High Honor Roll for the first quarter.

I look back now, a year later as I begin cycle for my second degree Black Belt and am thankful for how far I have come and know that with hard work, mental focus and determination, I will get my 2nd degree Black Belt!

- Billy Cook - Clay, New York