An inspiring belt graduation

[skullsplitter]

Our school had a graduation ceremony this past weekend. Our instructor does award black belts to kids and it normally takes about 4 year to earn that.

On this night an 11 year old youngster received his. What made this so special and moving is his story. He was born with only half of his heart. He's had strokes. Multiple surgeries. And who knows what else. His hands and feet are far from "normal" due to the strokes and such so no his stances aren't perfect and his blocks aren't perfect. But he's pressed on and learned all of the stances, kicks, punches, blocks, and katas the best way he could for his body. He even learned kamas. He's not allowed to spar, but he still puts on his gear and does what little he's allowed to do (the jr instructors move around and let him get some shots in on them).

He's been great to watch and is really an inspiring little guy. His excitement that night and the looks of both pride and relief on his parent's face were fun to watch.

[sensei8]

Thank you, skullsplitter, for sharing this moving story. Shows that when one sees/reads about things like this young man, one has little or no excuses at all to offer.

This young man may not be "normal", if that's even the right word to use in this context, as most MAists that are without these types of exceptions, yet, his heart and his intent and his Shugyo...are...that of a pure black belt in every way.

I bow to his accomplishments...I bow to his Sensei and instructors...and most of all, I bow to his family, and without any reservations, I bow to this young man...this new black belt of the nth degree.

[IcemanSK]

Thanks for sharing this story!! I've always felt that if we teach nothing else to children it's the value of working through adversity in one's life. This young man has certainly learned this well.

[DWx]

That's a great story. Great for both him and his parents that he has persevered and achieved so much, but great also for the instructor who took the time to make sure Karate was accessible to him with or without his limitations.

[Oshishinobu]

OSU!!!!!

That is the true spirit of OSU! Proud of this young man OSU!!!! to you and all involved skullsplitter. OSU!!!

[Nidan Melbourne]

Thank you for sharing that is a very inspirational story of that young man.

[Bulltahr]

Thanks for sharing that with us Skull, something so inspirational and something that he, his family and the whole dojo can treasure!!

Osu!!

[mazzybear]

What a lovely story!! Sounds like an inspirational young man. I think we as adults can learn a lot from kids such as him, we're often told "you've got to play the hand you're dealt in life" and this young man is showing exactly how it's done. Complete respect.

Mo.

[Titanium]

A truly amazing story.

Thank you for sharing this, your youngest certainly does have the spirit of a martial artist.

Congratulations are in order, I imagine you are immensely proud.

[bushido_man96]

Thanks for sharing this story!! I've always felt that if we teach nothing else to children it's the value of working through adversity in one's life. This young man has certainly learned this well.

I agree.

Thanks for sharing that story with us. Great, and very inspirational. Give him my congrats!