Mr. Mayank Bharadwaj - Black Belt Thesis

1st Dan Thesis
By Mayank Bharadwaj

What has been the motivation for you to want to become a black belt? Has there been any memorable moments in your training that has either inspired you, or caused you to wonder if this was a path you wanted to pursue?

“Kuk-Ki-Yea Tae Hae.” - Turn to face the flags.

Kuk-Ki-Yea Tae Hae is a phrase that I’ve heard twice a day for six years. Twice a day, I would spin around to face three neatly organized flags hanging on the wall: A USITF flag, an American flag, and an ITF flag. These flags were more than decorations on a wall. They were the shrine stitched to the left chest of my uniform and the banner representing my country. I was proud every time I walked into the studio, and I was proud every time I looked at myself in the mirror of that studio to represent the flag that hung behind me. Like a soldier who wears his flag into battle, I bore a golden fist in a sea of blue. But, I was even more proud to bow to the flag in the middle, the American flag.

Taekwondo has represented the last six years of my life, but this country claims 10. As an immigrant thrown into a foreign world, feeling lost was easier than ever. But for one hour a day, I could escape the stress and worry that lay beyond the doors of the dojo. Because for one hour a day, I wasn't lost or scared, or disoriented. I knew exactly who I was: An American Taekwon-do Athlete unbound by any pressures. That’s why for six years straight, I would always bow to the middle of the three flags. Whether I was perfectly in the center facing the middle flag or at the end of the line and had to angle

my bow, for six years, I would always bow to the American flag. What started as a game turned into a full-blown mission: to subtly angle my bow to face the middle without anyone noticing. This bow to me was a sign of my discipline in a distant and abstract way. For me, every single bow toward the flags proved that even through the distractions of the world, I still could maintain my priorities.

That is what being a black belt means to me. It is not just being disciplined in the dojo; it is using the teachings from martial arts in every part of your life. “Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit” are not just how one should behave in and during taekwondo and life. In school, they teach us these words. We are taught the dictionary definition of the word perseverance, but it is during simple tasks in taekwondo that we learn the meaning. To persevere was to keep coming to class day and again. To do the full 100 squat thrusts when those around me would stop at 80 was how I learned and maintained integrity. These lessons I carry out into the world as a black belt. Deep in central Africa, indigenous tribes that have existed for thousands of years believe that the color black represents rebirth. The journey through the colored belts has long signified a seedling's journey to growth fueled by knowledge. The black belt is the rebirth of that seedling. For generations, forests affected by fires have grown back stronger than ever because fire clears unnecessary weeds and because of the ash that creates a highly nutritious soil. That's why I want to be a black belt; it's the clarity through a forest of knowledge that teaches me what kind of person I want to be. From white belt to the edge of black belt, taekwondo has grown me in character over the past six years. Through little integrated life lessons, taekwondo has taught me right and

wrong in a very objective manner. “I shall never misuse taekwondo” is also a phrase that has resonated with me over the years. As a higher rank, I often find myself leading class or assisting. As a black belt, I would be following this sense of responsibility.

Through how I pass on information to those who look up to me, I’d remember this pledge never to misuse this art. The moments that motivate me to become a black belt are those around me. Every time I receive help from a higher rank is motivation to work hard to get to their level. Every time I see injustice is a reason I want to be a black belt to save who I can. Every time I hear the opening ceremony and every time I face the center flag and bow, I think of all the things I have learned in this dojo over the years and that I have to teach. Its not the special moments of my past that motivate me to become a black belt. It is what the wisdon that I hope to gain and the knowledge I aim to spread.