The Journey to Black Belt: Adhrit Sinha's Story of Dedication, Commitment, and Growth

Adhrit’s martial arts journey began in May 2019, a day he remembers with vivid clarity. “In my first class, I was nervous but excited,” he recalls. Like many new students, he was unfamiliar with the customs of the dojo, but he quickly learned the importance of respect, symbolized by the simple act of bowing. “I came to class wearing a short sleeve shirt and long sleeve pants. When I stepped in the door, I saw everyone bowing down and loudly saying, ‘Hello Sir.’ I copied them, I bowed, and I loudly said, ‘Hello sir!’ but now I know bowing is a way to provide respect to your teacher and to your class which helps you grow every day.”

His mother’s desire for him to learn public speaking and get some exercise led him to Mastery Martial Arts, and it was a choice that would shape his character in profound ways. The initial excitement was soon met with the realization that martial arts was more than just kicks and punches. “I used to think kicks and punches were easy, but everyone was extremely fast while performing their punches and kicks. I felt nervous because it was difficult to follow the class.” However, with the guidance of his instructor, Mr. Strecker, Adhrit began to practice diligently, both in class and at home, laying the foundation for his future success.

The desire to earn a black belt was ignited early in Adhrit’s training. He was inspired by the older students and their impressive skills, but it was their ability to transform their focus and intensity during their forms that truly captivated him. “Once when I had just started martial arts, I’d seen some Black Belts and older students do some cool tricks, but also seen how they could change their faces when they did their forms. From then on, I had known for sure that I wanted to be a Black Belt.”

However, the path to black belt is never without its challenges. For Adhrit, the COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant obstacle, as he had to adapt to online classes and find the motivation to train in isolation. The demands of school, homework, and other activities also made it difficult to manage his time effectively. But Adhrit’s resilience and positive mindset helped him persevere. “Whenever I felt discouraged or quit, I always thought of ‘yes I can’. This attitude helped me take small steps towards my goal.” He also learned the importance of communicating his feelings to his parents, who helped him create a weekly plan and a to-do list to stay organized and focused.

Martial arts is not just about physical techniques; it’s about developing character and life skills that last a lifetime. For Adhrit, the transformation has been remarkable. He has learned to communicate more effectively, overcome his fear of public speaking, and control his emotions. “I learned better ways to talk and introduce myself to others. I was afraid and used to feel hesitant, but I learned through leadership how to have control over my emotions and talk to others without any fear or anxiety. I am still working on it and continuing to learn.”

This newfound confidence has had a positive impact on his life both at school and at home. He has become a more open and communicative person, sharing more about his day with his parents. He has also embraced the discipline of a daily routine, a lesson he learned from the dojo. “One lesson that I use daily is making my bed. Not just because it’s part of my routine, but also because it gives me one thing that I can check off my daily checklist and have a good start to my day.” This simple act of discipline has even impressed his grandparents during a recent trip to India, where they were amazed by his willingness to help with chores.

Adhrit’s passion for martial arts is evident in his enthusiasm for learning and his appreciation for the community at Mastery Martial Arts. “My favorite part of training is learning new things from other people,” he says. He also enjoys the dynamic and challenging aspects of training, with kickboxing drills, tricking, and the gainer technique being among his favorites.

For Adhrit, a black belt is more than just a piece of cloth; it’s a symbol of the life skills he has cultivated and his ability to use them purposefully in his daily life. His journey, which he describes in three words as “dedication, commitment, challenging,” has been a testament to his perseverance and growth.

With his black belt now in hand, Adhrit is already looking to the future. He plans to continue his martial arts training in the legacy program and also wants to learn coding. His journey is far from over, and he is eager to embrace new challenges and continue his path of learning and self-improvement.

Adhrit’s advice to new students who dream of becoming a black belt is simple yet profound: “I would give advice to new students to give 100% effort all the time in learning and it will help you to be successful.” His own journey is a powerful example of how dedication and a positive attitude can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Adhrit’s journey has been filled with memorable moments, but one particular victory stands out. During the Troy championship in May 2024, he found himself in the board-breaking finale against a formidable opponent. With the support of his instructors and the encouragement of the crowd, he dug deep and found the strength to persevere. “Mr. Lochan had broken his board in seven tries. Being a little intimidated, I still went up to give my try at the board. With everyone watching, I gave it my best pop fronts. First, second, third, and finally the fourth try, and bam that board split in half. Everyone started cheering, and I was ecstatic that I’d won the division!”

This victory was more than just a win; it was a testament to Adhrit’s resilience, his ability to perform under pressure, and his unwavering belief in himself. It was a moment that encapsulated the spirit of a true martial artist and a champion in the making.