I remember that first day... the sun was shining, cotton was blowing from the tress (yes, cotton grows on trees). The local Parks and Rec. decided to host a "friday academy" and everyone who wanted to participate could choose one or two different classes. Martial arts was among the choices.

Dad was the one who drove me to the first lesson. It was just before nine in the morning, but I was wide awake, eager to start. I was also very nervous, and kind of scared. my parents were more cautious, as they were not sure what type of "middle eastern religion-type stuff" would be related to the training. we parked just outside the studio, and the instructor had arrived a few minutes before. we went inside and found a medium-sized white room. punching bags were lined up along one wall. the far wall displayed a painting of two people doing high kicks, with the studio logo behind them. the floor was covered in mats, and near the entrance were several chairs and a white board for announcements. at the top of the board was a bible verse. needless to say, once my parents found out that the instructor was a christian, they felt a lot better about me taking those lessons.

There were about four to six lessons in that friday academy class. Some kids did one or two, but not much more. I went to every lesson. I learned that the official style of Martial Arts I was studying was called Taekwondo. After the lessons ended, I joined the studio and started attending regular classes. Soon I gained my white belt. I was so happy. Then I had my first testing for the next belt. I was nervous, but I think I did really well. Along with having me demonstrate what I know, he asked me several questions, including 'what does Taekwondo mean?' (the way of the hand and foot) and 'what is the name of my instructors cat?' (the instructor's instructor; and I still don't know if he even has a cat). A week later, I received my next belt.

and so it went, on and on. we started a Demonstration team, which i joined. more and more people joined the studio, and soon enough, my own family joined the studio's ever-growing family. (ok, my dad never took classes, but he still supported us) we were going to tournaments and testings, parties and parades. and still the family grew. we even moved to a new studio when the old one became to small to hold us all, and we still had to knock out a couple of walls. my family and I ascended through the ranks. I nearly dropped out a couple of times, not going to a class for a couple of months. I quickly regretted not coming when I finally got back. I got to see a black belt testing, and I tested several times of my own throughout the months. My family ascended also, the twins going like clockwork, mom was steady, but the boys were a little slower.

Then the unthinkable happened. Attendance began to decline. And even worse, it was fall, so a lot of the younger kids would be dropping out for fall sports. Finally, the attendance dropped low enough that the studio was forced to close. The instructors family moved to a new town, but our instructor stayed behind to give us final classes and test those who would be ready. I was among them. And this all started a couple of months ago.

Tonight, I wore my new Red belt for the first, and possibly last, time.

Tonight was the last class. Tomorrow, we dismantle the studio, and load everything up for the instructor's trip over the mountains. I received my red belt tonight. I had only one more belt after this until I could test for my black belt. I doubt I will ever be able to do that. Tonight I also realized that I was losing something that had been a large part of my life for four years. I am sorry now that I did not participate more.

I think about my classmates, and where they are now. one, a high school graduate, has joined the navy. a few more endured sickness and injuries to attend class. most of them are black belts now. children have come closer together because of their participation in class. they get along better, they don't fight with others. in a way, they have become what their parents want them to be.

And I? I stand on the doorstep of the rest of my life, prepared, knowing that I have trained in body, mind, and spirit, for the challenges life may throw at me.

Looking back, who would have thought that my first step through that door on that one day could lead up to this point? I have become stronger, happier, wiser. I have started friendships. I have endured suffering. My family has possibly come closer together. Our lives have changed, just because I checked off one choice for a friday academy, because I was brave enough to step through that door.

And it has changed my life forever.