From the 8 candidates taking Black Belt test yesterday, Elonie was the only one to pass - she outperformed everyone to achieve Black Belt 1st Dan. She was awesome in every way. Her fitness, focus, determination, calm but timely approach, and well her established learning showed through clearly in all aspects of her grading.
The last 12months have been absolutely amazing for Elonie with being the most successful medal winner in the Junior Squad winning an amazing 6 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze at the World Championships in NOV, only to top it now by passing her Black Belt.
Elonie just missed getting her Black belt in DEC by a whisker, but this time she was so much more determined having spent many hours correcting and reinforcing her Kata and all other aspects of the Grading.
Elonie and all our World Champions will tell you - passing Black Belt at The DOJO is harder than winning the World Champs!
Guys, this kid never gave up! Yes, there were tears after not passing the last time, but this made her even more determined to try harder and pass this time - a big lesson for us to learn from right here!
Of course, this would not have been possible without the encouragement and support from mum Nikki, dad Louis, and the rest of the family.
Now Elonie and her sister Isla are both Black Belts in the same family - how good is that.
Elonie has got her heart set on becoming a Sensei one day, alongside many other things. Currently aged 9yrs, when she reaches 11yrs we will invite her to join our coaching program.
I have to say, she is on my Top-10 list of most outstanding -10yrs olds that ever got to Black Belt with me since 1988. Her attitude to try hard to succeed is outstanding for someone this young.
Once again Super well done Elonie
