We’re looking back on the wise words shared by our students when they were awarded their black belts. Today, we share the essay written by Owen Dodd who received his black belt in early 2023. Owen’s essay shares about how his martial arts journey deepened over time, constantly revealing new layers. From the early days of chasing the next belt, to refining his technique, to elevating to black belt class,  to overcoming injury, and becoming an instructor, Owen seems to have discovered that there is always more to discover. Here he is talking about how sparring changed the way he looked at martial arts:

“There’s something so satisfying about taking all the techniques that you’ve learned over the course of several years and being able to apply them in real situations. It feels good to land a roundhouse kick. It feels good to hit a punch combo. And in some ways, it feels good to get the reality check of being caught by a clean hook punch.

 His full essay is below.

Five years ago, I stepped on the mat for the first time. I was nervous and really not sure what to expect. But here I am today, getting ready to receive my black belt. I’ve been so fortunate to become a part of this community, which has helped shape me into the person I am. There have been hard times, like working through Covid and injuries, but those hard times have been worth it for all the relationships I have made and the joy I have experienced.

I started taking classes at EvolveAll when I was 11. I didn’t know any moves or any of the commands, and I was nervous. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was worried that the instructors would be super strict, and I didn’t know that many people. But the moment I stepped into the building, Mr. Brian was at the front, giving me a warm hello. As I got on the mat, other students said hi, and the instructors introduced themselves. I made it through my first class, and I knew this was something that I would stick with for as long as I could.

When I first started here, getting my black belt was my highest priority. Over time, I started to care less, not less about martial arts, but less about the physical marks that display my improvement. I would still strive for the next belt, not because I wanted to be seen at a higher level but because I wanted to know that I was good enough to earn it. I know it’s cliché, but I had to learn to care about the journey, not the destination. If I had only ever cared about getting my black belt, I never would have gotten to this point. I would have gotten too exhausted with all the growth needed that I would have quit.

It’s been a long time since I have been this nervous about a Growth Ceremony. The last time I moved up a belt was over two and a half years ago. Red solid was the first belt that I had ever stayed at for more than one growth period, and there was something refreshing about it. There was no pressure to move up another rank or rush to get my stripes. There was still a goal of getting all my black stripes, but I knew it wouldn’t be immediate.

Covid was a huge bummer for me. It came at the end of my eighth-grade year and swallowed up my first year of high school. Virtual martial arts classes started up, and I was very resistant to giving them a shot. I thought, what’s the point? I can’t hit pads, can’t grapple with anyone, and the community aspect that I had loved so much wouldn’t be there. It took some persuading, but eventually, my mom got me to give them a shot. And, while I was mostly correct in my initial response to virtual classes, one thing that I had not anticipated was that I had the chance to experience a different kind of community. We ran around our houses doing scavenger hunts, we got to see the places where others lived, and we watched as pets and parents made cameos in the background of our videos.

It was during this time of Covid that I made my transition from teen class to black belt class. The atmosphere of black belt class was completely different from teen class. It was more rigorous, the expectations were higher, and we learned things that, in teen class, I didn’t know existed. For two of the online periods, we worked on nunchucks, something that was completely new to me. Even the testing and stripe systems were different. All of these things I had to adjust to while in online classes. While I can’t say online classes were my favorite, I’m so happy that they happened and that I had the opportunity to continue martial arts through Covid.

Another challenge that I have faced over the past few years has been getting injured. Over the last 2-3 years, I’ve had knee injuries, shin splints, and a sprained ankle. Taking time off for my knee and ankle helped me realize just how much I love martial arts and how much I need this community. It was tough sitting out of class, I wanted nothing more than to hop in with everyone else, but I needed to let my body heal and rebuild. There was one point when classes had started in person again, and I had re-injured my knee, and Mae was dealing with her tailbone. So we were both sitting on the bench during class, watching and laughing as we joked about people thinking we were faking to just hang out. But while we may have joked, we both knew just how much everyone cared for us and wanted us to get better.

Before Covid happened, I had participated in sparring classes. (I would encourage all the students in teen class and 8-10 to give sparring a shot. It completely changes the way you experience normal classes and gives new meaning to “keep your hands up.” During that time, I saw tremendous growth as a martial artist and had the opportunity to compete in Spar Games. When in-person classes started again, it took a few months before sparring classes started back up. But when they did, I remembered just how much I had loved sparring years ago. There’s something so satisfying about taking all the techniques that you’ve learned over the course of several years and being able to apply them in real situations. It feels good to land a roundhouse kick. It feels good to hit a punch combo. And in some ways, it feels good to get the reality check of being caught by a clean hook punch. Sparring is something I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, and I’m so grateful I’ve been able to take these classes.

Another part of classes that I love is grappling. This is something that I believe was sparked in me early. My very first form as a white belt was a grappling sequence. As a beginner, it was very confusing at first to get thrown into the deep end of grappling. But the complex moves and delicate positions drew me in deeper. Now, in black belt class, I continue to learn new moves, new submissions, and new positions. And just like in sparring, it feels so good, during live rounds, to do the things I’ve practiced so much.

One of the turning points of my journey was when I started to help teach the 5-7 and 8-10-year-old classes. It’s one thing to learn martial arts, but teaching it really tests your knowledge and your ability to lead. Mr. Elijah and Mr. Christian eased me into this new role by having me hold pads and lead small groups. But very soon after this start, they had me leading sections of classes. It was really weird at first. I knew what I needed to teach but didn’t know how to share that information, how much detail to share, and how to speak to a large group of kids. And yet, there I was, standing in front of 20 students, not quite sure what my next words would be. Now, almost a year later, I’d like to think that I’ve gotten a lot better at these skills and better understand all the things I’ve had to teach. The lessons and abilities that teaching has given me are things I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

It has also been a blessing to be part of these kids’ lives. I’ve gotten to see some have their first of class, I’ve gotten to see the growth they’ve experienced, and I’ve been given the ability to help shape their lives. So, to all the students and parents, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your journeys. It brings me so much joy to see these kids walk through the front door. Even on the days when I’m tired or have a lot of homework to do when all is said and done, I’m grateful for the time I get to spend with all of you.

I hope all of you continue to push through the hard times and the fun times. Having done it myself, I can say it is completely worth it. If I had to go back and choose, I would do it over and over again. Part of my mindset, while I was teaching, was that I wanted all of these kids to have as amazing of a time as I did. This studio has become my second home, and I want all of you to be able to experience that.

Master Emerson, thank you for creating this amazing space with all these amazing people, and thank you for all that you do for this studio. Mr. Christian and Mr. Elijah, thank you for all the support over these last five years. I think I speak for a lot of people when I say the two of you make such a huge impact on our lives; I couldn’t imagine doing it without you guys. Mr. Brian, thank you for all the hugs and constant reminders not to stress out. Christopher, thank you so much for being my mentor. You’ve helped guide me through this time and have grown me into the person I am today. Everyone in black belt class and teen class, thank you for the fun days and the hard days, the conditioning-filled classes and the technical ones. Taking classes with all of you has been so fun and fulfilling. Finally, I want to thank my parents for the countless rides, for giving me the opportunity to do martial arts, and for supporting me through the highs and lows of this journey.

I could not imagine being a part of a different community. I really can’t describe how much I love this place and how much I love these people. In a little over a year and a half from now, I’ll be going off to college. I’m not sure how my martial arts experience will continue there, but I know that I will carry with me the skills and memories I made here. And I know that whenever I come back there will be warm welcomes and hugs. I hope the relationships I made here will last a lifetime; I hope the lessons I’ve learned will always stay with me. And I hope this studio and community will continue to make a difference in the lives of every kid who steps through the door. Thank you, EvolveAll, for playing such a huge role in my life. 

Confidence: Confidence is the foundation of success in all aspects of life. Our program is designed to instill unwavering self-assurance in our young members. Through mastering martial arts techniques, setting and achieving goals, and engaging in positive peer interactions, our students develop a sense of confidence that radiates through every facet of their lives.

Discipline: Martial arts demand discipline, and at EvolveAll, we make it fun and engaging. Our skilled instructors guide students through structured classes that teach the importance of discipline, focus, and dedication. These invaluable traits translate into improved academic performance and better decision-making skills.

Physical Fitness: We believe that a strong mind resides in a strong body. Our youth martial arts classes offer a fantastic opportunity for children and teenagers to stay active, improve their coordination, flexibility, and overall physical fitness in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Self-Defense: Safety is paramount in today’s world. Our program equips students with effective self-defense techniques, empowering them to protect themselves and others should the need arise. We foster a sense of awareness and teach practical skills that bolster confidence in challenging situations.

Community: At EvolveAll, we are more than just a martial arts studio; we are a community. We foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among our members, encouraging teamwork and mutual support. Lifelong friendships are forged here, and our inclusive atmosphere ensures that everyone feels welcome and valued.