Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Belt Demo

Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Belt Demo WMAC Sunbae Danielle Uchitelle, member of the 2015 Black Belt Demo Coordination Team

l

Watching bodans training night after night Dragon, a children’s form adult’s determination, beginner’s mind.

ll

On the roof flaming boards, guttering, your kiyap so powerful the fire vanished.

lll

Sword form when wooden, a form when steel, a sword.

lV

Training with pain none can see performing with grace all can see a catch in your breathing only I can see.

V

I tell them that I will recognize the Grand Masters by the spirit in Grand Masters, surprise myself by recognizing Sabumnim’s mother.

Vl

Injury can’t stop you others stumble, you hop over.

Vll

Perfect balance empty mat empty mind teaming room silenced.

Vlll

The weapon you used for your staff form, red taped, is mine Now I’ll need to work harder not disappointing my weapons.

lX

Our security guard had never seen hapkido I can tell he now understands.

X

If I imagine myself doing this, I can do it. I can do it.

Xl

A beautiful form; I should learn it realizing I know it, realizing I should learn it.

Xll

Dojang group photos so many faces unknown to me Where are the bodans of yesteryear?

Xlll

They stood beside me as bodans they’ll stand beside me as Black Belts next will be our turn.