The Hero’s Journey- Blackbelt Leadership at KMMA

At the Graduation Ceremony yesterday, I spoke to the graduating students in the beginner session (Basic and Level One Blackbelt Training and Blackbelt Leadership groups) about The Law of the Process– that excellence happens daily, but not in a day.

   And in both ceremonies I shared the story of the classic Hero’s Journey, and how it manifests in the KMMA student’s journey from whitebelt to Blackbelt Leader and beyond.

What was really cool is that there were Blackbelts of all levels, including new probationary Blackbelts, 1st Degree Certified, 2nd degree Blackbelt Leaders, 3rd Degree Senior Blackbelts and even a new 4th Degree Master Instructor, each and all at this graduation ceremony to support the junior students on their Blackbelt Leadership quest!

   Each and all contributed to the success of the event in some way.

As I observed the event unfolding, I was especially proud of all the amazing Blackbelt Leaders who had come together to make it happen, and the amazing leadership happening real time.

In them I saw the results of their years of Blackbelt Leadership Training in action; in their excellence I witnessed the products of the product.

And in the eyes of the newest students, and the intermediate and advancing ones, and their parents and loved ones too, I felt the pride, teamwork, camaraderie and fellowship that makes our tribe special, as well as the hunger and excitement of the students as they realized the Vision of becoming Blackbelt Leaders in life as well.

   Our school and tribe are also the result of the Blackbelt Leadership Process. Like every student and every leader, the organization itself has sown, grown and evolved into the special entity it is today.

I am proud and grateful.

Grand Master Stephen J Del Castillo

8th Degree Blackbelt, Author, MBA, Founding Master Instructor, KMMA

TampaKravMaga.com – StephenDelCastillo.com

p.s. This is the raw and unedited version including the student creed, national anthem, introductions and comments and then my speech. you can even witness my eyebrows going crazy when I’m processing. 🙂

Raw, unedited and transparent because i want you to feel what it’s like to be there. proud and grateful of all of you who are, and in advance for those of you soon to come!

I also wish the volume was a little better but, then again, i do have old infantry ears- so hopefully you’ll be able to hear it just fine.