A True Test! How Difficulties Create Strength

A True Test

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

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.  olsonsma@olsonsma.com

From the Olson Family

We would first like to say, “Welcome!”  It is our goal to provide the best martial arts training in a safe and encouraging environment.  As a family we have devoted our lives to not only training the physical aspects of martial arts to thousands of people but the mental and emotional aspects, as well.  Our goal is to help each student achieve Black Belt and Beyond.  The reason for this is that we know from over 40 years of experience teaching martial arts that when a student experiences the awarding of a Black Belt, they soar with confidence. 

What it Takes to become a Black Belt

It takes commitment, perseverance, goal setting and a strong work ethic to earn that belt.  Even at a young age people know that a black belt in martial arts means something important.  It shows you don’t quit, you don’t give up.  That you have what it takes!  Once you’ve done that, you know you can do anything you set your mind to; like getting into a great college, starting a career, making the team, anything you want.  We love to hear the success stories of our students after they have gone off to college and started lives and families of their own.  However, we are not surprised by their success.  We already know they have what it takes to live their dream. 

Character Development

Another goal we have as a family is to support families and help reinforce the qualities of character you desire for your child to have.  Our proven character development and leadership program includes lessons from making eye contact to handling conflict.  Also, speaking up and showing confidence ,as well as, standing strong for what you believe is right.  Our desire is to train black belts who are not only highly skilled in the art of self-defense but who are kind, compassionate, confident citizens of our communities.  People who have a strong work ethic and will show “Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Respect”, everywhere they go.

 Let us Partner with You!

Because of this, we want to partner with you, the parents and families, in helping give your child a strong foundation in values, to be able to stand up for themselves and others, to make good choices, and to live a healthy lifestyle.  Please don’t hesitate to speak with us if there is ever a point where we can help with question or concerns from motivation to troubles with bullying.  We are committed to helping each of our students live a happier, safer and more confident life.

 Sincerely,

Grand Master Amanda Olson-Illescas, Master Keith Olson, Ms. Katie McKinney

olsonsma.com   

olsonsma@olsonsma.com

Copyright 2024 by Grand Master Amanda Illescas
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