And I am proud of it. There is still so much left to learn, and I am looking forward to every moment of it.
How to earn a black belt in Tae Kwon Do
It made me
thrilled 
"Don't worry about getting everything perfect for your black belt exam: this belt isn't the capstone of your taekwondo career--it's only the first step towards mastery."
How I did it: Practice, practice, practice! I highly recommend going to class as often as you can, from day one. And don't worry if you don't get something the first time--just ask to be corrected when your form is wrong, and keep at it.
I ramped up training the month before the exam, so that I was at the dojang for at least 1-2 hours per day, six to seven times a week. Daily distance running also helped build stamina for 2-on-1 and 3-on-1 sparring.
However, the way I felt when I was able to complete all 8 Taeguek poomse, in order, completely solo (forms were my biggest hurdle) was incredible, and made the long training process worth all the effort!
As far as the actual test, I recommend having your training partners, friends, family, or anyone who shared in your preparation come to watch--it made it that much more meaningful to me. (Plus I have some great photos!)
Lessons & tips: Keep in mind that the black belt test itself is mostly a formality--it's all the work you put into it that will imbue the exam with significance.
It's a long road, and it can be a hard one, but nothing compares to that peculiar mix of pride and humility you feel the first time you wear your black belt.
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Finally!
3 years ago
It took twelve long, hard years. That’s more than 2/3 of my life.
Was it worth it?
Hell yes.
