06/09/2026
~~~ It is with a feeling of great admiration and inspiration to see someone who started as a 7yo white belt, growing up into a fine young man, keep developing personal growth and personal discipline.
You are quite an achiever to the truest sense of the word. Always humble & polite, balanced in your activities & your goals achieving your 2nd Black belt at 12yo without fanfare, without applause, but alone without anyone telling you to keep going & continue,, you discovered your own personality and discovered what kind of person you want to become and all done quietly.
Bruce Lee said: If you can only move when someone is encouraging you or move when applauded, then your strength belongs to someone else,
You have not just hung your belt after achieving your 1st Black Belt as a 10-year-old, but you also had the pride of wearing your full black belt uniform as a result of years of hard training, you kept persevering to develop your martial art abilities and kept that focus to grow in body mind and strong spirit. You were building discipline, patience, focus, courage & the ability to adapt.
Congratulations Thomas Hobden!!! The strength you develop through your martial arts journey remains with you and it is something that cannot be taken away from you. You are such an inspiration to all. A Big Thank you to your parents who have supported you throughout and their trust. 🙏🍀
