Failure Builds Strength
Failure Builds Confidence and Strength
Over my Martial Arts career I have had great wins, big losses and yes, a couple of failures. It goes with the territory. If you continue to try and move up the ladder, any ladder, there will be times when you go down instead of up. And as cliche’ as it may sound, getting back in the game and moving on really is what matters. As a child and a color belt I failed a few belt test. Each time I failed it was always the same reason, board breaking. I don’t have any problems with it now, but up through the ranks, board breaking was going to be my ruin! There were tears, woe is me, disappointments, but also a determination brewing inside of me that was going to win the battle against the boards. Probably the most memorable failure was when I was testing at a National event with the ATA for my 4th degree black belt. I was about 3 months pregnant with my son Keith (who is 33 now) I was doing a jump 360 side kick board break for my test. Why I missed that board, I don’t know. Keith was probably trying to do a 540 at the time and got me all mixed up. But nonetheless, I didn’t break that board. Because of my “condition” I would have to wait an entire year before I got to try again. Keith was present in person this time as an infant and this time, I did pass. However, this test was also a test of my will!
I was holding boards for another tester, and he did a spin heel kick….right through the board and into my temple knocking me out. I came too, was getting my head together and then my name was called. It was my turn to do my form!!! I remember thinking, “Just focus and don’t fall over.” I passed that test and was happy and relieved. Good memories now, good stories too, but at the time, failure is never fun. I often think what would have happened if I had allowed those failures to win and I had quit my training. I know what would have happened. I would never have gotten a chance to be part of so many people’s successes and would never have been there to help them through failures. So many amazing experiences and people met since that day! Suffice it to say, I am very glad my parents didn’t raise any quitters!
Master Character Lessons
Grand Master Amanda Illescas
Use this content to supplement the Jr. Leadership Video program and the instructor training program as well. Books available at Amazon.com Amanda Illescas
Life Lessons to Compliment the Jr. Leadership Program Guide
A culmination of lessons learned as a Martial Artist and Instructor.
True stories of a life well lived, so far.
Grand Master Amanda Illescas
Amanda Olson-Illescas is an award-winning author and co-owner of Olson’s Martial Arts Academy in Johnson City, TN. She has over 40 years training and teaching in Martial Arts and has raised a team of instructors and leaders to continue her vision. She teaches weekly in her studio and is passionate about equipping students of all ages to reach their full potential. ol******@ol******.com
https://martialartsinstructoracademy.com/
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