the Ultimate Black Belt Test

Great title right? When I talk about the Ultimate Black Belt Test or blog about it, I always use the much easier abbreviation of UBBT, and in doing so I think I tend to forget what it really means. Ultimate... wow. When I think about the ultimate anything it's pretty amazing, and so has this process been for me. This has been my third consecutive UBBT and next year I will not be a part of the new UBBT/ I Ho Chaun and it feels kind of weird. It feels a little like I'm in kindergarten and my parents just dropped me off at school. Can I do this on my own?

I started this process as a green belt and Sifu Brinker told me what a great opportunity it was because I was getting a head start on what it was like to be a Sihing. I had never set so many goals that I followed through on as I did that year. I learned a lot about discipline and being accountable. I got so much accomplished that I have stayed a part of the UBBT every year since. I have made a lot of good habits that I will take with me; acts of kindness, daily pushups & situps and taking the stairs or the long way just to get those extra kms everyday just to name a few.

I do believe that the Ultimate Black Belt Test is only "ultimate" if you give it everything. You have to commit yourself to the process and above all be accountable. Your going to have your ups and downs and fall behind where you thought you would excel, but if you know the no quitting requirement is not an option for you you will accomplish great things.

Andrea Prince