"A Krav Maga Black Belt is just the beginning."
What?! Just the beginning - what the hell does that mean? This was one of the many pearls of wisdom I received from Pawel after returning from LA after I completed my Black Belt test on August 18, 2019. It has been almost 4 years since that day - and I have begun to understand what he meant.
Of course, receiving your Black Belt cannot come at the beginning of your training journey - it takes years of dedication to even be eligible because of the 5 other belts/levels that need to be earned prior. For me, it took 8 years, and I was dedicated. I trained constantly. I was at KMD more than any other place (except work) for hours in a row. I loved the comradery, craved the knowledge, and was addicted to the training.
During my years at KMD, I became an instructor (2015). This extra physical training for me was no problem - but it was through Instructor training that I was introduced to the mental depth of Krav Maga. Doing the techniques is one thing, but knowing the why behind the techniques, how to run a class safely, and how to teach students correctly so if they ever needed to use this in real life - it would work ... that added to the mental burden and challenge.
It was after my Blue Belt test that I realized I was so close to Black Belt, so I set my sights on it. As an instructor it was important to me to reach this goal, but I also wanted the knowledge and the challenge. Once I figured out, I would be the only female in the state of Michigan to hold such a rank - I became even more motivated! (Until Kayla joined the club last year!) I told Pawel it was my goal, and after that did not look back - I did what I had to do to reach that goal by the following August - when Black Belt Tests are held every year in LA. I trained, I went to Dallas to fulfill the fight requirement (that was necessary at that time prior to taking a Black Belt Test), and I made sure to test for my Brown Belt. As always with training for a test, you feel slightly lost until right up until that moment. The week of each test was always my favorite. It was everything seemed to start to click - and I would know I was ready.
I was ready because I put in the work. I was ready, because I was prepared. I was prepared, because I trained at KMD under Pawel. I can say without any hesitation - that KMD is one of the BEST Krav Maga training centers in the nation. I can say this confidently because I trained with people across the nation - and EVERY time, EVERY time - I was the most prepared and the star of the show. I do not say this to "toot my own horn," I say this because it is true. KMD students consistently rank at the top of any test or instructor certification nationwide.
Pawel's commitment to high standards, may seem like stubbornness - but it is instead his commitment to keeping Krav Maga what it was created to be. A system that is the most effective way for ALL people to be able to walk confidently in peace. This cannot be achieved if standards are lowered, or techniques are altered without rigorous stress testing.
So, when Pawel decided to hold the first ever KMD Black Belt Test, I was thrilled. I knew that certain students who passed at my test would not have passed if Pawel was there to grade. Therefore, I know that those brave enough to test at Krav Maga Detroit will only pass if they deserve it. A Krav Maga Black Belt test should be the standard nationwide.
So, to those who are coming to watch - know how special this event truly is - and feel honored to witness.
To those who are testing - step up to the challenge. Know that you are prepared. And enjoy the ride! And get ready to learn why achieving your Black Belt truly is just the beginning, in the best way imaginable! You have already put in the work - now it's time to show it off - have fun with it!
-Mallory