My Journey to Black Belt
By Randi Mathieu
Five years ago I asked my then 5 year old son what he wanted for his birthday. His good buddy, that is 4 years older than he is, was taking karate and so in order to be more like him, my son replied that he wanted to take karate. I made an appointment and we all went in to the Dojang to see what it was like. While there I saw many different people of varying ages – not just kids training and thought it might be fun to try. As I discussed it with my husband we decided that all 3 of us would give it a try. In the back of my mind I thought hey we will give it a couple months and see how it goes.
See here’s the thing about me – I’m a quitter. When I would ask to take dance lessons or music lessons as a child I would only last a few months before I was bored with it. By middle school I decided to try band – that lasted until sophomore year. Goals I dreamt about – becoming the first female NFL player, becoming the first female fighter pilot, even becoming a Japanese interpreter – never came to fruition because I didn’t really try. My life has been easy and has been handed to me. Even after Jim and I were married the quitting continued – swing dance lessons, aikido, and many jobs lie in my wake. So naturally that February five years ago I thought we had no chance of making to even green belt.
Something in me changed along the way in this 5 year journey. There were times that I thought – maybe this is as far as we go. But some how I pushed through. Each test I said “ok Randi one more level” Our karate compatriots became a second family to us and help encourage me even though they never knew they did. It was the thought of disappointing my new found karate-sisters that kept me coming back for more. It was the regret at never letting myself get any good at anything before I quit and not wanting my son to have the same regrets. It was also the challenge to myself that I could make something happen for me!
Now here I am a red-4 and just paid the registration fee for test. I can’t believe I am here and doing this. I may not be the first female blackbelt but I am the first Randi Mathieu to become a blackbelt. I’ve worked hard and know that I have pushed myself harder than I ever have. I want this – not just to get a blackbelt but to be a blackbelt. I need to know that “I Can and I Will” is not just a personal mantra but a way of life. I am excited for the mental change I know will happen when I tie that midnight blue on and the confidence that I can set goals and I will achieve them.
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