The ‘Black Belt’ Day

19 Sep 2024. This was the day when I appeared for my Black Belt exam.
I was a bit nervous, because for some reason I felt less prepared than I like to be.
The last 2 years have had too many changes, too many ups-and-downs, and I barely got a chance to learn and practice my katas in the last few months.
My last Karate exam was just after covid, in 2022. 2023 went by quickly with didi preparing to move to the US for her under-grad, and I entered my 10th – when the real pressure for Board exams start. The first few months of 2024 went in preparing for my life’s biggest national level exams till date. And the day after the exams – I had to move to a new school – and new curriculum, from CBSE to IGCSE.
But that’s when I decided to rejoin my Karate classes and complete the dream I had been carrying for 7 years – to complete my Black Belt.
It was not easy – and managing time was the biggest challenge. My new school was so much further away, and the subjects I chose at school were not easy. The study pattern was completely new to me – but I was determined to keep practising Karate every single day – relentlessly, till I cleared my test.

And so the big day was here – 19th Sep, just a day before my grand-pa’s birthday.

Exams are always held at Nehru Stadium…
First the green belt…
Finally I delivered on my kata flawlessly.