Michael Metaxotos - September 2008
Good evening Master No, Master Sam, Master Brendan and fellow club members.
In 2004, I was introduced to Taekwondo by a family friend who was training with Master No at the time and had achieved quite a bit in the sports. I thought it was really cool to be able to kick an aggressor and defend myself if I needed to. So I began training as a white belt which symbolises a new beginning. Training as a white belt was a little daunting at first but my fellow club members were very friendly and Master No always knew how to make me feel comfortable. I quickly learnt that Taekwondo was much more than learning to kick someone, it is about discipline and self control.
Before I knew I was grading for my yellow belt which symbolises the sun and a new energy arising. This was very true in my case. I was so proud to receive my yellow belt and it was at this time that Master No encouraged me to start tiger training and competing. So I entered my first State Competition and before long I was off to Adelaide with my club to compete in the National Championships. I was very excited to be winning medals and true to my yellow belt, I gained a new energy to do my best. I came home with a gold medal from Adelaide and at this point I was so inspired and energised that I felt that anything was possible.
The next milestone was grading for my blue belt which symbolishes the Sky and striving for greater knowledge. As a blue belt, I was taught not only physical techniques and skills but also how to stay mentally alert and emotionally strong. It was a time when Master No encouraged me to push harder and to work through the increasing amount of pain. Master No also emphasises the importance of being a good human being and having respect towards others.
One of the hardest gradings was definitely my red belt grading. The Red Belt symbolises danger and cautions the students to exercise control and warns the opponent to stay away. As a red belt I learnt more effective techniques which can be used in competitions. I became both physically and mentally stronger and I started to exercise more control in what I was doing and improving on what I had already learnt. Master No taught me to defend more effectively during competition and to take advantage of opportunities that come up.
However, in competitions, I've had my great days and not so great days. But the greatest part of being a member of Joon No's Taekwondo is being a member of the Joon No's family. There is no greater feeling than being a winner and you know "winners are grinners" and you come off the court and the whole club is there smiling, congratulating, back slapping, high fives with a well done Michael. But we can't always be a winner and at times I've come off the court and felt very flat walking the long walk back to the club, but like any family, they are always there and they're all there smiling, welcoming, back slapping, with high fives, and a well done Michael. Just like my family my Taekwondo family is always right behind me and supporting me the whole way. Their belief in me and in particular your belief in me Master No, inspires me to train harder and achieve better results. I have learned about the value of being part of a team and I really enjoy training at Joon No's Taekwondo and being here with all my friends.
Now I stand here before you Master No grading for my black belt. Black is the opposite of white and signifies the maturity and proficiency I have achieved under your instruction. You have worked hard to instil in me the true values of taekwondo ---- hard work, toughness of mind, courage, determination, wisdom and being a good human being. These are values that influence every aspect of my life. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you Master No, Master Sam and Master Brendan for the dedication, commitment, assistance and advice that you have given me over the years and if I am worthy of receiving my Black Belt I promise that I will continue to trainer hard, to further improve my skills so that I can reach the next level in Taekwondo.
Thank you.