The Boy Strikes Black

Every single one of us, at some point in our lives, has probably met a kid who’s so athletically skilled, motivated and talented that s/he vows to compete at the Olympics. Sure, a bronze or silver would be nice.. but what they’re really after is the GOLD.

But I know a boy who, gifted with all those athletic abilities, has had his eye on a prize of another color altogether…

Well, this past weekend, at only 12 years old (just two weeks shy of turning 13); after years of paying his dues – in yellow, orange, blue and brown; and after racking up a truckload of trophies (some towering above his height), G struck black.

As in Black Belt.* No small feat – for an adult, let alone a kid.

Excitement reigned of course; emails and phone calls flew across the globe over phone and wifi lines. Relatives from coast to coast (and overseas) were apprised of the wait.. and final results. I called the evening before (he was out at practice) and waited, with bated breath, for THE phone call.

To be truthful, it was no surprise. And not only because he’s been a fan of “The Karate Kid” ever since he first watched it.

When you are blessed to watch a boy grow up with such fierce determination, singular focus, dogged intent, unrelenting commitment to practice and self-improvement; when you see such a boy take inspiration from his father (struck black too); when he’s been asked to assist in teaching the younger kids; and when you know that at such a prime age – for school, friends, soccer and band practice too – a boy will nevertheless push himself to the absolute limit to achieve his dream, well, then you simply cannot be surprised.

There was never a doubt in mind that he was going to score the black.

Strike & score he did. Way to go GG, you’re such an inspiration.

In this case, black IS your gold.

* (Full disclosure: He passed with what’s called a ‘provisional’, meaning that the designation is conditional on perfecting one or more jujitsu (?) forms. Have no doubt: it will happen this summer!)