07/12/2025
The most proudest moment of my martial arts life. My eldest son Alex stepped up to earn his Black Belt yesterday, the 6th of December.
3 days short of his 17th birthday, he, with the support of all his friends and partners, performed all aspects of the 3 international Shaolin levels, and the content from of our Junior program as well as a high level demonstration of his shuai jiao (Chinese Wrestling) knowledge, self defence and Sanda Sparring skills.
A test of over 2 hours of non-stop action in front of his mum, siblings and grandparents and overseen by a testing panel of 7 top ranked Black Belts, Alex aced every section and represented himself, his club, YMAA and his family at the highest levels possible!
The Academy was packed with all of Alex's training partners, which was a fantastic destiment to all of his relationships and friendships he's built over his lifetime of martial arts. And, that is the true value of martial arts. Friendship, respect, and loyalty!
A Junior Black Belt qualification is only earned on completing the YMAA Shaolin 2nd Level and displaying the dedication and fighting skills worthy of a black belt. Alex has displayed a very high skillset and is a central part of our academy as a coach, is a cornerstone of YMAA Ireland and is a training partner to me on my journey to complete the 10 levels of Shaolin. These factors and as my son, we gave him the extra challenge of completing the YMAA Shaolin 3rd Level before stepping up for this test! He completed that level at our recent Autumn Seminars under Masters Robert Was and Pedro Rodrigues and was immediately under test for his Black Belt, teaching an adult class and partnering me in completing my most recent grade
The pressure he was under was immense, and he was fully tested to his limits yesterday. There was no doubt he was well worthy of wearing the coveted Black Sash. A true Black Belt is a real marker for success in any and all aspects of life!
"If you know the way broadly you will see it in everthing" "From one thing, know ten thousand things." Miyamoto Musashi
Well done, Alex. I could not be more proud of you and look forward to seeing where you go in life.
❤️❤🥋🥋
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