Hard work, dedication pays off for Houck family

NORWALK — It was a dream 14 years in the making for Shawn and Jacalyn Houck. Their four children — Grant, Brooke, Brock and Kade — are in an elite group of black belts in Tae Kwon Do. "My husband, Shawn, and I set a goal back in 2006," Jacklyn said. "Our first-born child was only 4 years old and our youngest had yet to be born. That goal was for each of our children to earn their black belt in Tae Kwon Do. "Fourteen years later, I can proudly say that all four of our children have met that goal." It certainly was not an easy road, mom said. "What is the big deal about earning a black belt you may ask? In order to understand what it means to be a black belt, one must first understand the journey to becoming a black belt," she said. "It is a journey that can be quite long and difficult at times, yet the reward is tenfold. During their years of training at the North American Martial Arts Institute, Grant, Brooke, Brock, and Kade progressed through several colored belts, each one a rung higher on the ladder to black belt. "It was by working to achieve each new rank that they learned to set goals and develop the discipline and focus along with many other attributes that go into making a black belt. Developing this mindset is not something that happened overnight. It was a transformation that took many years of hard work and dedication. "During these years, they were constantly reminded of the Five Tenants of Tae Kwon Do: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit. These character-building qualities are what I feel were the most important part of their black belt journey. As a bonus, I feel confident that should the unthinkable happen and one of my children find themselves in a threatening situation, they could defend themselves because of the self-defense training they have received. "Tae Kwon Do is derived from the Korean word "Tae" meaning foot, "Kwon" meaning fist, and "Do" meaning way of life. The foot and fist way of life, however, is not only about fighting or defending oneself but about building character. It is a state of mind that unfolds over the course of one's journey to becoming a black belt. My children, like most students beginning this journey, sought to receive a black belt ... that was their goal ... to trade all their colored belts in for that long-awaited black one. "They have now realized that a black belt is not something you earn, but something you become. I especially see it with my older children … they are truly understanding what it means to be a black belt. The life lessons that they learned, the relationships they developed, and the hard work they put in will serve them well in their adult lives. "The head instructor and owner of The North American Martial Arts Institute, Mr. John Orndorff, always reminds the students at every black belt test that earning a black belt is not the end, it is just the beginning. Although my older kids are not currently training …. other interests took hold in their lives and it became more difficult to fit training in their busy schedules. I do think it is possible that they may find their way back to martial arts in the future. "I still remember and love the positive affirmations Mrs. Kim Scheel would have her Lil' Dragons repeat at the end of each class ... "I have Black Belt Attitude.I have Black Belt Focus.I have Black Belt discipline.My mind and body are strong.I believe in myself.I am a Martial Artist.Black Belt and beyond is my goal." I would like to conclude by offering my sincere thanks to all the instructors (Mr. Orndorff, Mrs. Scheel, and Mr. Burns) at the North American Martial Arts Institute for teaching, guiding, and encouraging my kids throughout the years. "You are all much appreciated."