Psychological Block getting beyond green belt in TKD

[Bluetulipx]

After struggling with my yellow belt syndrome (see separate post), I also have had a psychological block about any grading higher than a green belt.

I think what happened is that I was a green belt in America and then came over to England and when I had to start back at yellow tag in TKD, I zoomed through the ranks and wore myself out to get back to green belt (other people may not think this is zooming ... but for me it was).

It took a year as a green belt until I finally was able to feel ready for my next grading. Each time I tried to do the pattern Won Hyo I found myself struggling then 1 day I did it and it was so straightforward that I wondered what all the fuss had been about.

I think perhaps it was also related to the fact that I have moved 10 times and had 13 contract jobs in 2 1/2 years since I have moved back to England and it is possible that my mind refused to let me go higher in the ranks, because I was so disoriented.

Anyway, after all of that I finally managed to go for my blue tag at the end of June and I was successful.

Now that I have it I feel like I've moved to the next level of TKD. It has made me very happy.

[ninjanurse]

I think we all have experienced a few blocks along the way-either physical or mental. Glad you are back on track!!!

[bushido_man96]

That's a good post there. We all grow differently. Although we are all on the same journey, we all have seperate paths that get us to our goals.

[Jiffy]

That's a fantastic post. It's good to see that you could recognise your weakness and overcome it. Hopefully, you will remember this for next time you have a stumbling block that you just can't seem to get over.

Well Done!

[Zorbasan]

judging by the belt system you have have described, i beleive you are talking the ITF system.

i rekon the green belt is the last of the "junior" belts, in which once you move beyond that to blue belt, you are showing commitment and skill. this can be a big step for some people.

i would like to say it gets easier, but unfortunately it wont, the step from blue to brown will be bigger again and then the move from brwn to black is the biggest of all (obviously). personally i got from white to pre black in the minimum allowed time (this wasnt my first TKD school tho) but then it took me 3 years from there to get my black, not because i wasnt good enough, but i wasnt ready in myself and always had some excuse not to do it.

good luck with your future gradings and keep at it!

[Bluetulipx]

Thank you for your comments. It is good to know that other people have experienced a few blocks from time to time also.

[KamasandSais]

Also Won Hyo is a very confusing form. almost everyone in my old dojo struggled with it. So I see it as completely normal.