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WHAT DOES ACHIEVING BLACK BELT MEAN TO YOU? - My Black Belt story

Updated: Aug 6


Two people in white martial arts uniforms kneeling and tying black belts on a polished floor. Belts are laid out in the foreground.
FIRST 2 STRIKE FREESTYLE MARTIAL ARTS

It feels like a lifetime ago now—back when I completed my Black Belt grading and proudly received my coveted belt. As part of that process, my instructor asked us to write a short essay on:


“What does it mean to you to achieve your Black Belt?” - My Black Belt story

So, I sat down and started typing. And this is what I wrote:


“Close your eyes and listen to your heartbeat.”

– Domenic Maiolo: Head Instructor & Founder, Maiolo Freestyle Tae Kwon Do


"My journey into martial arts began about four years earlier, when I was first introduced to Maiolo Freestyle Tae Kwon Do. At the time, I had no serious intention of earning a Black Belt. I simply had a long-standing interest in martial arts and was looking for something that would help me stay fit and teach me practical self-defence. Being someone who’s always pursued self-improvement, this seemed like the perfect fit.

My Black Belt story:

But what I didn’t expect was how being part of the Maiolo Club would change me—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It helped me grow as a martial artist and evolve as a person in ways I never imagined.

When I first started, I struggled with confidence, focus, and fitness. Those were the obvious things I hoped to improve. But along the way, I began to understand something much deeper: the importance of commitment, self-discipline, and taking action—whether in a street situation or in life. I learned to think positively, work hard, and give my best in everything I do, including my job.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that the best form of self-defence is simply this:

  • Awareness – being alert to danger

  • Avoidance – steering clear of it whenever possible

But my journey didn’t stop there.

I also developed a love for teaching. I learned how to share my knowledge with others—enthusiastically, patiently, and without judgment. I learned to adapt to different learning styles and recognise each individual’s potential. One of my biggest personal challenges was public speaking, yet there I was—teaching class after class, standing in front of 20 people, doing something I never thought I could. And now, I love it. ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway,’ as the saying goes.

I’d love to help out with the kids’ program in future, but for now, work commitments make that tricky.

Martial arts has also been a powerful outlet for me—a way to balance mind, body, and soul. After a long, stressful day, I’d pack my bag, put on my gi, and head to training. And by the end of class, the stress was gone. I felt like myself again.

At times, training has even been meditative—a way to reconnect with who I am.

Achieving the Black Belt wasn’t easy. There was pain. Sweat. Endless combinations, patterns, bag work, sparring rounds, and countless extra sessions at home, at the gym, swimming, running, skipping, stretching—fighting that daily battle of mind over matter.

But I didn’t do it alone. I did it with an incredible group of people who supported me every step of the way. They’ve become more than training partners—they’ve become friends. And for that, I’m truly grateful.

So what does it mean to achieve the Black Belt?

It means all of this—and so much more.

To me, the Maiolo Freestyle Tae Kwon Do Black Belt isn’t just a piece of fabric with my name on it. It’s a symbol of everything I’ve experienced and everything I’ve become on this journey."

– Pil Sung


That’s what I wrote all those years ago—back when I had hair on my head and fewer wrinkles! Many of those thoughts still resonate deeply with me today. And as I continue along this journey, even more reflections come to mind…

But that’s a story for another time.

See you at training…

— Vince


🌍 An Invitation to Your Martial Arts Journey


Are you ready to start your journey? Join us for the Martial Arts Classes in Wollongong at First 2 Strike Freestyle Martial Arts.


📍 Location: Wollongong

🌐 Website: www.first2strike.com  

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Click the link to book your free trial class today and embark on your journey from conflict to confidence. We can’t wait to welcome you to the mats! https://www.first2strike.com/freetrial


KNOWLEDGE, PREPAREDNESS AND CONFIDENCE

Pil Sung (Certain Victory)


Vince Serra (First 2 Strike Freestyle Martial Arts)

11 Princes hwy, Figtree, Wollongong 2525 NSW



Black and white circular logo with text "First 2 Strike Freestyle Martial Arts." A red fist strikes through the stylized letters "F2S."
First 2 Strike Freestyle Martial Arts



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