When I was four, I wanted to be a ninja- mostly because I wanted to be just like my older brother Robert, who had started martial arts two years before. I’ve always been a shy person. I would stand in the seating area of the dojo, watching the class and following along. My Mum kept asking me if I wanted to do the class. “Nope”, I’d say, shaking my head.  Yet every night I’d beg to get taken along to class with Robert and I’d follow along with the lesson. Then at home, Robert and I would practice in our living room, and he would correct my stances and my techniques. Eventually, we reached an agreement- I would enroll if my Mum did as well. That Monday, I started class… and never stopped.

I love my belt. It’s got my name in English on one side and my name in Korean on the other. However, the Korean is completely incorrect. For some reason, I absolutely love that. It makes it perfect.

My belt is an identity. I don’t have to be shy when I wear my belt. In fact, it’s almost impossible to be shy when it’s wrapped around my waist. I’m not exactly sure why it has that effect on my personality. It may be because I know I’ve worked hard to get it, therefore I feel “worthy” when I wear it. Perhaps it is because people see me not as an ordinary girl, but as a role model. Whatever the reason, my belt is a source of confidence.

In addition to confidence, my belt has given me another identity: a teacher. I have been teaching four to six year olds with my Mum since I was twelve years old. At first, I didn’t know how to teach at all. I didn’t even know how I would approach teaching an art form. But now, eight years later, teaching is my passion. I love planning fun classes for my kids. And somehow, they always have the funniest things to say. One thing unique about my belt (which some martial artists might look down on) is that it has an orange piece of tape wrapped around it next to the four stripes. It was put there three years ago, by a four year old named Donald. Every two weeks, my kids get a stripe. Each stripe of tape on their belt represents a certain skill such as balance, jumping, basic moves, respect and honesty, and more. We focus on a certain skill for two weeks. I had finished tying on all of the orange stripes of tape, and ended the class. Before I left the floor, Donald ran up to me, gave me a huge hug, and said “Eirinn, you’re my favoritist instructor ever!” He grabbed my belt, and put his own orange stripe on my belt.  It has been there ever since- for every competition, every test, and every class that I teach. I can’t bring myself to take off the stripe. It reminds me that I have the ability to be a positive influence. Also, it simply gives my belt some character. Some martial artists may not like it, but it makes my belt “mine.”