To me, the black belt means strength, perseverance, dedication, focus, self-control, and finally, respect. Respect to those who have helped me on my way to this point, whether directly or indirectly. Self-control in my will to do what I know is best, in small or significant decisions, and not acting on impulse. Focus on my goals and aspirations, practicing my art, my work, and my physical improvement. Dedication to finishing those goals and perfecting those things through practice. Perseverance through loss of motivation and seemingly insurmountable odds. And strength in my body, mind, and spirit. No matter what happens, I’ll aways have one thing that Taekwondo has given me that I can carry through to the rest of my life. And that’s an indomitable spirit.

What Does It Mean To Earn a Black Belt at USTATo me earning a Black Belt is more than just an achievement, it is a way of life. USTA insteals discipline, honor, respect, courage and contribution; without these traits it is just punching and kicking. Obtaining a Black Belt is learning to balance your mind, body and soul to work in unison. The challenge is achievable with hard work, determination and perseverance. A Black Belt is a White Belt that never quits.The USTA Black Belt Club gave me the positive direction and focus that I needed to overcome obstacles. The discipline and direction I learned as a child in Martial Arts was continued when I joined USTA. In my younger years I had a goal to earn my Black Belt and dreamed of being able to thrive in Taekwondo. USTA has helped mould me into a better man and husband. When I joined USTA I did not realize the personal connections I would make with fellow students and instructors. To me, USTA is more than just a Martial Arts Academy, it is a family.Each Belt has a concept, a basic living guide for self betterment. Many of the concepts one may consider common sense, but when reviewing and learning more about each concept you learn that they are imperative for positive living. Sometimes while learning these concepts you realize that you may be lacking in certain areas. While in each particular Belt, learning and achieving the next concept gives you the chance to better your mental capacity. This yearning for betterment overflows into every aspect of your life. Getting your mind in a better place helps not only yourself, but those around you.USTA has also helped me achieve my physical goals. When I joined I was not in bad health, but I was not at the level I knew I was capable of being at. Since joining in 2019 I have superseded my expectations physically. I am 33 yrs old and able to compete and win at tournaments with competitors half of my age. My physical stamina and drive have never been better.Not only have I had the opportunity to personally grow mentally and physically, but I have had the pleasure of being on the SWAT Team. This has helped me grow as a leader, by learning to be an instructor to fellow students. One of the concepts is Contribution. Upon being invited to be a SWAT member this concept came to mind. It is unselfishly giving to others to create a great community. I take pride in my position and strive to be a better leader for my fellow students.If I had to pick one Belt concept that I feel like pushed me towards my current status, I believe it would be commitment. Commitment to myself, my family and my peers. To me, the definition of commitment is always chasing excellence. It is an unwavering promise or bond with no exceptions or hesitations. Commitment is a trait that is necessary in every aspect of my life.My years at USTA have made my Black Belt dream a reality. I am honored to have had the opportunity to grow and be challenged mentally and physically through the process of earning my Black Belt at United States Taekwondo Academy.

When I first joined taekwondo I was really nervous. I was not much of a social person nor do I like going outside so much. I prefer to stay home and watch YouTube videos the whole day, as long as I stay in my comfort zone. Never in my life did I think I would come out of my comfort zone and start doing new habits I would have never thought of doing. Being in this taekwondo academy has taught me a lot which made me change who I am today. I know my journey after getting my black belt will be more challenging and more difficult, but I know I will have good outcomes from it.

Great place for kids to workout and learn discipline. Kids are loving it and the instructors are very helpful.

My journey through each belt was thrilling. Each of the staff and or instructors are very polite and very enthusiastic. From my white belt to my current the experience has always been exhilarating. I always feel ecstatic whenever I am at this dojo. They also have many good morals and values for each belt (Ex. Focus/Punctuality for White Belt.), which can help someone to get better with their skills and self-confidence. The instructors are always eager to help you with forms, self-defense, or arnis at anytime or class period. You will always be invited to engage in a session if you are bored or just wanting to do something fun. It is also good for work outs, personally I have lost a lot of weight by doing this, and I know many others who have also gone through the same experience as me. This dojo can help with discipline and self-esteem, the grand master, Master Al-Sharif (7th Degree Black Belt), is avid to help you in almost every area of martial arts, from discipline, to using sticks as swords! I personally was delighted by my journey and experience at the USTA Taekwondo Academy.

What Does It Mean To Earn A Black Belt at USTAFor me black belt has been a long journey. And personally has been worth it. This is because I made many friends and was able to learn and use martial arts. I started taekwondo when I wasnt the calmest and I never really wanted to learn, but after a while with learning many new things, I was able to learn about forms, self-defense, and, my favorite, sparring. I was always a big guy and sparring was fun for me, although after a few years I lost interest and my family stopped coming. As time went on I was going less and less, until I stopped going. This is when I thought my taekwondo story would end, but after a few years of doing other sports like soccer and football, I returned to taekwondo, and somehow I remembered stuff. This for me gave me the interest again of learning everything and being able to do in martial arts. This is when I learned many of my things and went up until March. When March hit and COVID-19 came I was really close to stop going, but USTA provided online classes, so eventually I went back and stayed going until I got my first tip, at the time I was done and was really bout to stop going. This was until I started to spar, this was different because of how we started to use our hands. Traditionally we were only able to use kicks this, for me, was limiting and when we were able to start using hands I got more used to it and was having more fun. This is around when you learn confidence in yourself, this is where you are able to show you know what youre doing and know how to do it. I got my second time and was now pushing towards my last, this is when I got the opportunity to join swat. Swat is the leadership program at the dojo and is used to teach us about how to teach and learn new things. This was a push for me to get to black belt and advance even more. Around this time the new year had begun, and I was getting ready for my black belt, and this is probably the most important part. This is when you work day to day improving your skills and mastering what is needed to become a Black belt. This was the final push for me, and now I am becoming a black belt.One of the main factors for me continuing after so many times of thinking of quitting I show I know the dojo and the people who work there. When I first came and now things are very different, and back then many of the instructors were my age and I was able to talk to them and be able to become closer. This friendliness continued up to know because of how the instructors are able to help and encourage you to really push your self more and more until you reach your goal.

Very great and clean school definitely recommend going there!!!

We were looking for a good Taekwando school and are very pleased to have found this one. All the instructors are very pleasant and dedicated to teaching their craft. I would not hesitate to recommend this school to anyone. We have seen a marked improvement in our child’s confidence and athletic ability.

This Taekwondo school is amazing. The Grand Master is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about what he does. He truly cares about the success of each child and makes sure they work hard to learn each technique and form that comes with each belt. They teach discipline and confidence. Each belt comes with a specific words which they have to apply it and learn it. Ex. Courageous, Perseverance, Contribution etc..The Grand Master also does an awesome job with rewarding the children to show them that hard work pays off. Look no more this school is the one for you and your child!

The facility in Richerdson is incredably spacious and clean. The academy offers a unique cruculem that focuses on both self defense and building strong character for young adults. The master instructors are very knowledgeable and passionate about training . I highly recomend the academy for parents and young adults .

This is one of the best martial arts schools Ive ever attended in my life! Ive come here nonstop for almost 7 years now, and to say that its changed my life would be an understatement. The instructors here are patient and kind have helped me every step of my way to my current rank. The Grand Master very humble and generous, and is very active with me and other students as well. Throughout my time here, Ive developed so far as a person to the point where I dont know where Id be if I never attended USTA. Thank you for everything you have gifted and taught me!

Ive been fortunate to call US Taekwondo Academy a second home for the past few years. I could not have chosen a better dojo to earn my 1st Dan Black Belt. The Masters and Instructors truly care about their students success, and is clearly evident in the way classes are taught and take extra time out to ensure students truly understand & correctly implement material. The classes are always buzzing with positive energy, enthusiasm, and a comfortable learning environment. If anyone is looking to begin their martial arts journey, US Taekwondo Academy is the place to go!

Excellent taekwondo academy, teachers prepare students with a lot of discipline. I love this academy and I recommend it.

Exceptional taekwondo training facility with 2 master instructors (5th degree black belts) and GrandMaster Alshariff (7thDegree black belt)! Anyone with or without taekwondo training can easily fit in and work your way up to black belt and beyond). I highly recommend!!!

Best Martial Arts School in Richardson area. I strongly recommend this school for your family. Do not hesitate to try it out!

Spending the last several years @ USTA, and recently earning my 3rd Dan Black Belt, has been a terrific experience that has completely changed my life for the better. The members are a tight-knit family that all support each other’s growth and success and the Grand Master is a knowledgeable and compassionate leader that pushes you to better yourself inside and outside of the dojang. The curriculum is very rich for a martial arts school and focuses on guiding you along both the mental and physical path to becoming a martial artist rather than simply teaching you kicks and punches or promoting an intensely competitive fighting environment. If you are looking for a school that focuses exclusively on sport/competitive sparring, look elsewhere. However, if you are looking to learn how to defend yourself in a safe and supportive environment, and you wish to learn how to use the principles of martial arts to establish excellence in your life, this is the home for you.

The best academy ever!!! Got my black belt from here some time ago, and that is the only reason I am where I am right know. Thanks for everything you have given me.

My son goes this school since 2016 and i highly recommend the grand master is very supportive and passionate about kids teaching. All instructors are great and friendly.

Welcoming and friendly place. You can learn martial arts no matter what your age is. Great for kids and adults.

Excellent, my 6-year-old son has been here since April and has learned a lot from the excellent teachers 100% recommended a very healthy family environment