The Start of the Straight and Narrow

🎧 Listen to the original voice message in spanish from La Jardinera

My Dear Seeds,

A young karate apprentice knelt before his master to receive the hard-earned black belt.

He had worked so, so, so hard and was very proud and happy that day because, for him, it was one of the greatest rewards. The master said to him, “First, you must answer an essential question: What is the true meaning of the black belt?”

The student quickly responded, “The end of the journey, a reward for all the work I’ve done.” Then the master looked at him and said, “Hmm, you’re not ready for the black belt yet. Come back in a year.”

The student wasn’t happy; he bowed his head and found it hard to accept this response. The following year, the aspirant knelt once more before the master, who repeated the same question. This time, he answered, “The black belt is a symbol of distinction, of our art.” The student was so content that the master replied, “You’re still not ready. Come back in a year.” The student said, “It can’t be, it can’t be!” and left.

Finally, the next year arrived, and the student presented himself before the master, the master asked him the same question. The student responded, “The black belt represents the beginning of an endless journey, of discipline, work, and the pursuit of ever-higher standards, one after the other.” Only at that moment did the master smile and say, “Now you are ready to receive the black belt and begin your work.”

The master congratulated him, saying, “Now you truly understand.” From that day forward, the young karateka continued learning because learning is constant. Reaching the goal is not the end of the path or the journey; it’s just another stage. Effort and dedication are necessary because it doesn’t end there—it begins once you are awarded the black belt.

The student understood this, but it took him three more years because he had been expecting praise, congratulations, and recognition. That merit can only come from your effort, your sweat, your work, your creation, and the effort you put into achieving them.

A congratulation from a martial arts master is as important as a crown from a king. They serve the same purpose in different ways, but learning lasts a lifetime, throughout all of life.

And in that learning process, one day, he would become a master, pass on his knowledge to his students, and know how to defend himself. Because it is an art, not a fight—it is the art of knowing how to defend oneself and teach others.

With these words, I say to you,

With all my love,
Your Jardinera