Minor, Ami - A Black Belt is a White Belt that Never Quit.

 "When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world" - George Washington Carver. 

Many of today’s great leaders became great by doing the very thing Mr. Carver stated long ago, by doing the common things in an uncommon way. Thomas Edison and Bill Gates are just a couple of well known people who went above and beyond, especially after many failed experimental attempts. Rather than taking the common approach of quitting, they were persistent and went on to develop the lightbulb and Microsoft, which have commanded the attention of the world. The common things done in day to day life are often defined and set by what culture deems as the standard.  However, taking what is considered as standard and performing a level above is excellence in the ordinary. Derived from the excellence are great leaders. 

The principle of Mr. Carver’s quote was also the route I took in pursuing one of my significant goals.  I have been privileged to be surrounded by countless leaders that have encouraged and pushed me to do the uncommon as well.  At one point, I nearly gave up the opportunity of testing and obtaining my black belt in Taekwondo. Several years into my training, during a routine class, I accidentally broke one of my teammate’s wrist. I felt horrible for doing such an act and wanted to be done with the sport. However, with the direction and encouragement from various family members, leaders, mentors and masters,  my martial arts journey continued on. One of my masters had shared that, “Approximately 6% of those who start martial arts will continue on to the rank of a black belt.” Instead of joining the common 94% of those who quit, I was determined to get back on my feet and become part of the elite 6%.  In the now alomst ten years of vigorous participation, training, learning the proper Korean terminology and the 5 tenets of Taekwondo (Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomable Spirit), not only did I test and earn my first degree (Dan) black belt, I continued on to attain my second degree (Dan), and am now in the beginnign stages of my third degree (Dan) test. During my tests espically when I was awarded my initial black belt, it was stressed over and over, “A black belt is a white belt that never quit.” From that point on, I realized that what’s in front of me is limitless and what I can do is limited by my mindset and limitations. 

In applying the principle of Mr. Carver’s quote to my mindset, not only did I accomplish a goal, I obtained so much more.  The many leadership skills and role models I have been exposed to in my life have channeled their way back into how I live my life. There were many times when the going got rough and I wanted to quit, but I was compelled to do the uncommon and persevered through instead. In my own way, I did command the attention of the world; not at the same magnitude as Thomas Edison or Bill Gates but I am among those elite 6% of worldwide participants who are listed in the Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Registry in Seoul, South Korea. In all, the amazing skills sets I’ve learned throughout my years of training and from those who led the way and paved the paths for me are what makes me who I am today.

- Ami Minor
2019 3rd Degree Black Belt Candidate