East Montgomery Martial Arts

This is a Kanpai that Mr. Krzyspiak (one of our 2nd degree black belts and an instructor in our Kai) read on Saturday evening after watching his two children and six other students achieve the rank of Black Belt at our Gasshuku (weekend training camp).

His words truly apply to ALL of the people who made black belt over the past decades in our association and I asked him if I could share these words with all of you.
(Note: I took the liberty of changing just a couple of words and phrases, but the sentiment is intact and "spot on").

The last 24 hours have been a unique experience ; the kind that puts a stamp on a truly rare accomplishment. What you did this weekend wasn't ordinary. It wasn't easy. And it definitely wasn't something that just happened because you showed up… although showing up was a good start.

Take a moment to recognize what you've achieved. Really let it sink in.

Because, while this weekend will absolutely be memorable (and it may be a little blurry right now as you probably feel you're ready to pass out), it'll become sharper as time goes on. The accomplishment itself wasn't created in 24 hours. It was forged over years of effort, determination, frustration, growth, and consistency.

My dad used to tell me that "overnight success takes 15 years." And he was right. What people see today......the awarding of belts, the ceremony, the applause, etc. .....­ is just the visible part. The real accomplishment is everything that led up to it: the classes that weren't always easy to get to, training online during Covid, the drills you repeated a thousand times, and the moments you doubted yourselves and yet you still stuck with it.

Martial arts can look like just another activity on the surface. You start because it's fun, or it gets you out of the house, or maybe because you got pumped up watching The Karate Kid… or Cobra Kai, whatever. But somewhere along the way, you start learning things you didn't even realize you were learning.

Discipline, patience, self-control, confidence, teamwork, perseverance, and community.

And this weekend, all of those lessons came together. The testing pushed you physically, mentally, and emotionally. It likely asked you to dig deeper than you expected. And yet you're still here ­ upright, conscious… mostly.

That choice and determination ­(not the kicks, not the katas)­ is what makes a black belt.

A black belt isn't a symbol of perfection. It's a symbol of commitment and a desire to push and better yourself and those around you.

It's not the end of the journey. It's the beginning. It's unlocking the person you can be. And that applies to how you carry yourselves moving forward.

I remember a story Mr. Exaros once told about a black belt student of his who was waiting tables. Someone at her table asked if she was a martial artist. They'd picked up on it instantly: the poise, the confidence, the character. That's what a true black belt is....someone who carries the lessons they've learned with them everywhere.

And now, briefly, as a dad to my kids: Maya, Tyler, I couldn't be more proud ..... ­ not just of the milestone you've reached today (and I feel lucky to have seen it first hand), but of the people you're becoming along the way. Especially this last year! You've shown grit, maturity, and heart. You've proven that when things get hard, you keep pushing. And that's what I saw today. You were awesome.

And that's something that will carry you far, whether in the dojo or outside of it, whether it be school, friendships, personal challenges, and life, itself.

Congratulations to all of the new Yudansha!

Kanpai!!!

Group shot with Mr. Carro after last night’s training.

Some camp shots from last night.

Sign up at the Doylestown Rec Center today. Classes begin this Tuesday: https://doylestownpa.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29405

Group photo of our teens and adults after our pre-Shiai workout.

TODAY WE CELEBRATE
35 YEARS
teaching in the community.

MARTIAL ARTS DAY CAMP - Registration Deadline Rapidly Approaching. Sign up today!

Day Camp - East Montgomery Martial Arts Summer Day Camp! Ages 5-11 Weeks of: * June 15-19 * July 13-17 2026 9am to 12:30pm Goal Setting Discipline FUN!!! Bring a friend: Beginners are welcome Only $185 Free Uniform Camp Activities include: Two 45 minute training sessions with a snack break and fun activity break in between. Fun martial ar...