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What a new belt really means at Powerspeed
A belt is a few feet of colored cotton. Here is why families at Powerspeed treat the day it changes like a big deal, and why it should be.
Ask a Powerspeed student what they are working on and you will rarely hear “black belt.” You will hear about the next one. That is on purpose. The school's programming rule is written in one line: “Smaller Milestones Yield Greater Long Term Results.”
Black belt is a long way off for a seven year old, or for an adult starting from zero. The next belt is not. It is close enough to see and hard enough to mean something, and that is the step Powerspeed builds every student's training around.
Training in stages, not one long climb
Training at Powerspeed is broken into developmental stages, so every student has a next step they can actually reach. Kicks, strikes, stances and footwork come in an order that makes sense for where a student is right now.
That matters most on the hard days. A child who can't picture black belt can still picture getting a kick right for the next test, and that is usually what keeps them coming back.
Challenged their own way
Two students wearing the same belt are not always working on the same thing. Master Ron and the instructors match the work to the student: a student who needs confidence gets wins to build on, and a student who is ready for more gets pushed.
He really challenges children in their own individual way. He understands their weaknesses or struggles and works hard and helping them.
Promotion day
Students test for their next belt at promotion tests through the year. Students show what they have learned, and every student who promotes takes home a certificate along with the new belt.
The tests also give younger students something to look up to. One parent wrote about watching an older student test:
After witnessing a well trained brown belt during a belt promotion test, I have full confidence in Powerspeeds ability in helping my son improve his taekwondo skills.
What the belt is really measuring
The skills on the test are real, but they are not the whole point. What a new belt shows is that a student set a goal, kept showing up and earned it. Parents tend to notice that part at home before they notice the kicks:
- “Confidence, respect for himself and others and independence.” Marie R., parent, within the first month.
- “She has gain so much confidence in being a leader and in her skills.” Toshiba W., parent.
- “He knows when they are working hard and gives rewards for excellent work.” Kendra J.'s son, on Instructor Ron.
Room for every kind of student
Smaller milestones are also what makes Powerspeed's inclusive approach work. In the school's own words, “We Offer an Inclusive Environment,” and kids of different abilities and needs train side by side. When the next step is sized to the student, every student has one they can reach.
Both of my children are autistic and struggle following direction and learning new things in general. But Ronald keeps them motivated.
Not just for kids
Smaller milestones work for adults too, including adults who are not sure they can keep up. Omar C., an adult student, put it this way: “At first I was worried about my age, as an older student how would I keep up? Master Ron and the instructors RJ and Emmanuel are extremely helpful and patient!!”
Where it starts
Every belt at Powerspeed starts with one class. If you are curious what the first step looks like for your child or for you, see Kids Taekwondo for ages 4 to 7, Kids Taekwondo for ages 8 to 13 or Adult Taekwondo, or just come try a class at 5912 Riverdale Avenue.