Bring your own guts and leave them in the trash can.

Nov 19, 2016, 6:59 AM

My son is taking his final black belt test this weekend ending year long testing. It's brutal and difficult to watch as a parent. His Master wants them to prove that they want it and know that they've earned it. The previous tests have been difficult but the final test is like stopping the Notre Dame 2 point conversion over and over and over.

Last night's test was 4 hours without any break. They are active the entire time. The only breaks are when they're holding legs for situps or holding pads. They are constantly being yelled at. They do an hour or more of situps, pushups, burpees, etc. before they even do any martial arts. They want to see what they can do when they're in pain and wore out. Will the technique be there when their mind and body are worn out? There were a lot of tears and vomit (running over to a trash can, vomiting, and running back). My son's partner cried most of the test but pushed on with sheer determination and willpower. Dabo would be proud.

They started with 24 in January and entered last night with 13, 11 finished last night and have earned another day of hell today. I guarantee this is the hardest thing any of them have ever done. The experience will serve them well in life.

It's a mixture of kids and adults, but mostly teens. My son is the youngest at 10 and is absolutely going full Boulware. He was smiling over the last couple hours while everyone else looked miserable and fighting. Not sure if he's a sick, sadistic, SOB or if he was just happy to be there and testing. We'd pulled him at the beginning of the month due to chronic viral tonsillitis and scheduled a tonsillectomy for this past Tuesday. But he had a miracle recovery and we were able to push it back to after Thanksgiving.

My son's my hero. He's a tough, intelligent, dedicated, amazing kid who follows through and wants to achieve things. I'm very proud of him and if today goes as we expect he'll have the ultimate swag around his waist.