There was once in the city of Venice, Italy an old man who was known for being a genius.  It was said that this old man could answer any question or solve any problem. 

So two boys got the idea that they could fool the old man, so they caught a small bird and went to him with this question.  The one boy held the bird in his hand and ask the old man whether the bird was dead or alive.  Without hesitation the old man said, “ Son if I say to you the bird is alive, you will close your hand and crush it to death.  If I say the bird is dead you will open your hand and the bird will fly away.  You see, son, in your hands you hold the power of life and death. It’s in your hands!”

The same is true for becoming a Black Belt – It’s in your hands.  Only you can choose; no one else can make that choice for you.  You can choose if you want to wear one or you can show up for class each week and become one. It’s in your hands!