Thank you so much for watching and supporting our first FEATURE LENGTH episode! Martial arts is only made possible by only the generosity of the generations before us who pass on these traditions, skillsets, and life lessons. Please know that ANY success you may see throughout this episode is only made possible by the incredible Los Angeles taekowndo community. They truly are the best of the best. ❤
Please keep us update if you went and broke that Brick, please. The dedication you put forth in this video. My niece and nephew got a Black Belt in TaeKwonDo. It took them 3 years. I do not know if anybody who has achieved this amount of success in Martial Arts in this short amount of time. Keep challenging yourself in this field. Much love from NM
@suryaprasanth5459 I'm an ex pro athlete. We trained, sat exams/tests, did major competitions and performed, all while on our periods! You work through it, like it or not. It's part of being a female athlete. You can't just make excuses and say you're on your period. You push through periods, injuries or rehab, and you show up 💯 every time because you have to, to excel in your given sport. HTH! 💖🏴⛸️
Michelle published this video exactly 48 days before i wrote this comment, AKA the day that i took and passed my own black belt test. I watched the video minutes after it was posted. During the time period leading up to her posting this video, i was reaching my 6th year anniversary of biggening my martial arts training, and was feeling quite burned out on the subject, and was seriously considering quitting. Seeing Michelle's journey through the up's and down's of martial arts inspired me to continue and persevere through my training. Since I watched this video, i have met & closely bonded with many people through karate, and i realized that my training, and the people i met along the way have brought out the best in me. I wrote this comment with tears of joy and gratitude in my eyes, and my black belt around my waist. Even though i don't personally know you, i want to thank you for inspiring me in the way that you did. ~Thank you so much -Tillman D. Received black belt at Kovar's Satori academy on 12-14-2024 thanks to you.
Congratulations, You deserve it for persevering your through all your hard work you just need a bit of motivation and to see someone work hard as well showcased what you need. Well done and hope you train other to do that same. We need more inspirations from everyone.
This is BY FAR my favorite challenge accepted. My gosh so deep and beautiful to see the deep respect and appreciation these teachers have for the sport and their students. The students not only learn from their teachers but the teachers learn from the students. It’s a sport that gives and takes both ways. Thank you for doing this!! You are a BADASS!! And you have officially inspired me to start Tae-Kwon-Doe!
Good luck with that! And yes, it's 1000% my favorite one as well. I was moved to tears multiple times throughout it. One of the most inspiring things I've watched, TH-cam or otherwise.
You performing the black belt form at the end with flashbacks of your instructor doing the form as well got me emotional. That was a great homage to the teacher that taught you.
Damn it... this is youtube. Never did I ever expect to feel so many different emotions on this platform when I began using it 18 years ago. This video may very well be the current peak of youtube. Well done @MichelleKhare.....well done.
I said the exact same thing to my boyfriend. This is the reason I watch TH-cam! Thank you MIchelle, you're an inspiration like always. I have an insane amount of admiration for you
this video genuinely made me cry. i left karate at 14 because of the quarantine. i won first place in the KTOC national competition for sparring, and became a red black belt, but i left before my black belt. i got the worst variant of covid and became deadly sick, and my lungs werent able to fully recover from the strain of the virus. it made me become lazy and unmotivated, and even my personal life began to slip, and my grades plummeted, and i stopped going to karate. i never forgave myself for it, and i miss my sport so so much. watching this video made me feel so happy, seeing martial arts be recognized for being so difficult yet so rewarding. im 17 now, and almost off to college. this video made me pick up the love i once had for this sport. there is one thing every single former athlete has in common once they leave a sport. they always miss the sport they once had so much passion for. thank you so so much michelle for giving me the opportunity to reflect on myself and take up karate again. :)
i did karate like as a 8 or 9 year old and left after i hit yellow orange stripe, it wasn't for me, i quit, i didnt like it, still not sure exactly why but yeah, this is something too.
Michelle, I just saw your video. I have been practicing Taekwondo for seven and a half years. I am a 2nd degree black belt. Started when I was 43 years old. I am amazed what you did and how much you accomplished. I am advising you not to give up and finish what you have stated to reach the black belt no matter how long it takes. Many don't reach because it takes time and work. You are almost there. Finish the race.
The moment you realized that brute force was not enough, that you needed to find balance to be successful...This is what touched my heart. I watched this video several times because I found myself needing to find that balance. I am a quick study with most things, but I find myself lacking the full commitment to become a master. I find myself being a jack of all trades, master of none. Thank you for pointing out that I need to find that balance so that I can appreciate each thing to its fullness. Keep us posted when you do earn that black belt.
I am similar in this regard, but also think that Michelle too. This gives her the ability and power to do all these challenges. I had some trouble myself with accepting to be jack-of-all and master of none, but I realized that it can become a quality and not a fault. So i get you, and wish you success in your journey
Michelle, my daughter is 10 years old and is currently a red belt. We both watched your video together and it has motivated her so much to continue her training. Watching you put in the work and never giving up was so inspiring. Her favorite part was when you said how purple belt is so slay. 😁 Thank you for showing girls and women are capable of doing anything they put their mind to. You are an inspiration!🫶
Hi Michelle you have motivated me so much well even tho I am not in taekwondo I am in karate (JKA ) I am in green belt and ya i am not that strong but seeing this video has motivated me too much 🥹🥹 thank you so much ❤️
I’m 25 years old female student in veterinarian medical school now and you Michelle really inspired me to achieve my dream by starting to learn martial arts I follow you for a very long time and you’re an amazing inspiring woman I wanna thank you and keep it up love your videos!!!
I always feel like the videos get better and better. Not because the ones before were bad but it just feels like it is always fresh and exciting. It doesn't feel stagnant or like it is at it's peak. The videos all feel human from all perspectives and they are filled with love and desication which is beautiful!
I'm so glad she understands that we don't need her to be perfect all the time. We love seeing her giving it her all, pushing herself, and not taking on these challenges lightly. She accomplishes SO much by dedicating herself completely and it reminds me that power is in me too 💕
I kind of love that you didn’t get the black belt especially since Peter failed it for the first time as well and it just really shows how much mental strength the sport really takes. But it was an amazing journey to watch I loved the video sooo much
Same! I loved their heartfelt comments, but I was really hoping they wouldn’t give her an honorary black belt. Aside from being unfair to all the others, I think it would have cheapened what she accomplished with this challenge 🫶🏻
First and foremost, thank you for representing this art form and sport so well by not only showing the physical aspects of it, but also the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects as well. In the organization of taekwondo I trained in, the American Taekwondo Association, there is a story that goes something like this. . . Eternal Grand Master H. U. Lee, the creator of Songahm Taekwondo, once had a young white-belt come up to him. (For context, since H. U. Lee created the style of Taekwondo called Songahm, he was the highest ranked member for quite a while.) The little kid asked, “If you’re the highest rank in the organization, who teaches you?” Eternal Grand Master H. U. Lee responded, “You do.” Eternal Grand Master H. U. Lee truly meant it. The deeper meaning behind Eternal Grand Master’s answer has to do with the teacher-student relationship. Students, especially beginners, learn from their teachers. And teachers learn from their beginner students because in order to teach a beginner, you may have to change the way you think about the material in order for the student to understand it. This new way of thinking about the material gives the teacher not only another way to teach, but also another way to understand the material for themselves. Taekwondo, at least in the style of Sonaghm, is built so that in order to progress in the ranks, you have to eventually become a teacher. This way, you continue to learn and material and life lessons are passed down from generation to generation.
WOW the editing for the choreo for Michelle’s blackbelt test was amazing! It really gives off the vibe of using everything you’ve learned so far such as Michelle using techniques and blending the footage of her masters teaching her
that ending gave me CHILLS!! seeing her fail makes this message so much more human and so much more powerful, and I think missing out on the black belt matched that perfectly (in the best way possible). Breaking a brick with your bare hands is not something that can be done through sheer muscle or force. it's only accomplished with the proper technique, mindset and experience to fully embrace the art for all it is. Not being able to do it after trying a few times, just goes to show that the "yin" is something she's still learning and I know this will shape every challenge she does from now on. easily the best youtube video ive ever watched - thank you SO MUCH michelle for doing what you do ❤
@@BrianGowieNg-y8xthis is the comment section for this exact video. It's only a spoiler if this is a series and the comment is about the next episode.
Yes. I couldnt agree more, its that raw truth and things that are just not instant.. you cannot speed it up. Some things just takes time And im really glad for one, she got the chance to take her time at the brick breaking. That way she’ll learn way lot more. Thats very encouraging. Just amazing, how inspiring “failure” or a process can be. Wow.
Your speech at your black belt test was absolutely spot on. Anyone can learn material and power their way through it, but to really be able to understand the meaning and feeling behind all of it is something that can’t be rushed. I’m very happy to see that you learned that. I’m also very happy to see that Master Rhee kept his word and didn’t give you your black belt just because cameras were there. As you said in the beginning of the video boards and bricks are now meant as a metaphor to be able to over come things. You were scared of the brick at your test that was your first mistake. You have to be able to be mentally ready first before you can break it. Once again that is where the art of this comes in. You can try to muscle through the brick but you will end up hurting yourself. Over all this was a great video and I was very against the idea of you doing this in 90 days not because it took me years to get it but because of all the other things you miss, but you recognize that in the video. You are an amazing athlete, but you taking the time to do this will make you an amazing martial artist. Last thing a black belt isn’t something you wear around your waist, but it is something you are in your heart. Pil Sung
To earn a black belt, is a honored accomplishment. Not only does it show the respect of the form of martial arts, but it shows respect for the sensei I also agree with what was said at the end. If others had to break the brick for their black belt, it wouldn't be fair to award it to Michelle. But reghardless Michelle let us know when you do finally achieve your black belt.
I don't usually leave comments on videos but this deserves it so much if I don't, am arrogant! As much as I admire your unprecedented encourage and Strength, I can't forget the notorious man behind all of this, Gareth! Who everyone seems to unnoticed. Huge respect to him and the whole team at large, for the incredible transitions, charming cinematic sounds, the overlapping of cuts scenes, and the thoughtful visual effects of the Korean calligraphy. Undoubtedly he mastered the craft of storytelling and this deserves an Emmy. Love it with every fiber of my being. 🎉
@@MichelleKhare Trust me you don't have to be, you're the bigger picture here and the corner stone of challenge accepted. I literally was sitting on an egg the whole time, especially the black belt test, my eyes were like this 😳 fixed and tight 😄😄, definitely one of my favourite moments. But all-in-all I celebrate both of y'all, Perfect intertwined couples. 😍
Michelle, I myself failed the first time testing for my Black belt, it is a painful thing to go through. I made it 3 months later and I was training for about 7 years at that point. As I stepped higher it was much more difficult, during my test for 4th degree Black Belt I tore both my ACL and MCL, during the sparring portion. That put me on the shelf for over a year, after the surgery and rehab the flexibility in my left leg was severely limited as was the strength. I stepped away because of that injury and I am now 60 years of age. I do not practice like I once did but I still use the discipline it taught me in my daily life, remember that this is just the beginning of your journey, when it is time it will come. Please continue your training and it will come. I wish you all the best and a healthy life. Remember this failure as you will draw strength from it when needed.
@@DanKaschel No sir I do not. My martial arts training helped me get through difficult things in my life. Like Marine Corps boot camp back in the early 1980's. It taught me patience, determination, and when to use aggression properly.
@@RossPacino I appreciate you calling me Sensei however I am no longer practicing or helping the younger ones any longer. As I said I was sparring multiple people while going for my 4th Degree Black belt and the best we can figure it is I threw a roundhouse and one other opponent threw a sidekick into my knee by accident and basically blew it out we all heard a very large pop, and when I went to put weight on it I just fell forward simply because of the pain.
Michelle this is SO AMAZING!!! I remember when you started this project like 6 months ago and we were talking about it in LA and I can’t believe your journey!!! After living in Korea for a few years and training to get a black belt in taekwondo myself, i remember how challenging it was - and this story is one of the most inspiring I’ve ever seen on TH-cam. Keep crushing it !! 🇰🇷🇰🇷🇰🇷
As a Dad who has hit a bit of his own rut in his life. Trying to be a good inspiration to my kids as well as a support system for my wife I learned quickly that I've slowed down in my age. I'm feeling a bit hopeless and want to do so many things but never feel like I have the energy for it. I've always considered TH-cam some place where kids watch videos of Fortnite and how-to-fix things videos. Little did I know I would come across your channel. It started with your chess video that left me welled up with pride in what you did and in tears, to your F1 experience to now, this video. I can only say that you've inspired this 48 year old Dad to take on some challenges for not only myself but for my family. This is my Day 1. Thank you Michelle and your amazing team for this video. Thank you for being brave enough to do it and brave enough to fail. You're a true gift to the human spirit and never giving up.
I feel that Taekwondo is gaining well-deserved recognition and stepping back into the spotlight. This video is incredible, and I hope it inspires more people to give Taekwondo a try. Michelle’s demonstration is a true testament to perseverance and indomitable spirit, and it’s wonderful to see both Master Philip Rhee and Simon Rhee make an appearance. I was lucky to meet them, along with Master Herb Perez and Master AJ Munoz. Even if you don’t have your black belt yet, you already have the mindset of a black belt. Remember, wearing your belt is more than just tying it around your waist; it’s about carrying it in your heart and mind.
@@polarcreator4820 Define "real fight" first! You can be the best MCMAP Navy Seal, ROK, SAS, CQC and still lose to 14-year old with no training. And if you say MMA, know that MMA is just a sport with rules and referees, and they'd still most likely lose against a person with a knife! Good luck trying a kimura against someone with a knife.
@ I completely agree with the knife part, best this is to run in that scenario… MMA is obviously the best in a real fight as you would outclass the average person in every single scenario
As I’m sitting here rocking my first daughter to sleep, I’m weeping. She will be 1 in 29 days. I pray she grows up to be at least half of the woman you are. It is so inspiring that there are strong, beautiful, and capable women like yourself who so gracefully accept their responsibility as a role model to young girls through their career. I can’t wait to let my daughter watch these when she is older, and be inspired to know she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. Thank you, Michelle ♥️
I open youtube for the first time in almost 5 years. She pops up, never heard of her before, never seen her beofre. I just sat here for an hour and became the biggest fan, a true inspiration. You inspire me to do something. I dont know what, but i just can't sit still after watching this. The ending almost made me cry, but you can do it. Keep going. Don't give up. You are writing a story and a very interesting one
Opened you tube, this popped up never watched you before. As an ex instructor it was inspiring to see the seriousness, effort & commitment you gave to this journey & the legends that trained you. The brick represents different challenges to each practitioner. If you havent broken it already, i have no doubt you will. Your training has it beat, when you see it in your mind without doubt & feel it in your body, that brick will be toast. Fantastic effort Michelle 🙏
Hello! I recently tested for my black belt last week and passed. This journey, to me, was unbelievably inspiring. In my opinion; you are a black belt. You always have been. I have been told you do not earn a black belt the day you test, but you earn it every day you train. And I completely agree with that. You have put so much dedication into taekwondo, even if you do not display that belt on that waist, in your heart, character, and mind, you have achieved black belt excellence. Do not stop training, again, this is only the beginning.
Congrats for getting your black belt! I am training for my second degree back belt Also In taekwondo!. (There is 9 degrees In my tkd School) It takes Practice and Effort for getting a black belt!
This is so inspiring. I've dreamed of getting a black belt for years. Not just getting the belt but actually BEING on that level. But then I broke my arm and stopped training. But even before my injury, whenever I saw people younger than me or those with more experience do so well, instead of being inspired, I felt fear and even shame and blamed myself for not starting sooner or trying harder. Seeing what you accomplished in only 90 days, whilst being surrounded by only world renowned martial artists, completely changed my point of view. I cannot thank you enough. Instead of feeling bad about yourself or comparing yourself to others in a negative way, you put all that energy into improving your skills and doing something that nobody has ever achieved before. Michelle thank you. I'm going to continue my journey in taekwondo with a whole different mindset.
Love that they kept the bar high. All the more inspiring to see the you finding your limit (for once) and still being able to see your astonishing achievement.
To be trained by Dae Han Park and Tommy Lee is just AMAZING! Best of the Best is one of my favorite movies! You did them proud, I was just welling up with pride watching your complete your belt challenges. My daughter received her black belt at 11 and it brought back those feelings of utter pride and just sheer happiness to see you excel and put in the work and dedication. You are truly a hero and I look forward to seeing you break that brick! Thank you for this AMAZING video!
@@oxoelfoxo My daughter received her youth black belt in karate. So, she did not have to break a brick. She did have to fight/spar 1 on 1 4 times, then 2 on 1, then 4 on 1. And finally, she had to fight an instructor. It basically looks like a gang initiation. It was so hard to watch your little girl getting beat up. But, they are not looking for technique but rather the willingness and fortitude to fight through impossible odds. I would recommend martial arts for any kiddos out there.
Michelle always surprises me. But when she trains, she means that shit. Everyone was right when they talked about her and how they watched her, when they started out worried that she wouldnt be serious and that she would mock the sport with a silly youtube video, she really showed them her dedication and seriousness to anything that she puts her self into.
You could see the moment Phillip said "I want you to work - effortless." The change in Michelle's face. She had never even thought of framing it like that in her mind, but he helped her to acknowledge it was even a possibility. Absolutely incredible mentorship, in just a single line. Not to mention the follow-up line. Inspiring to say the least.
"Not just a good punch, but a good LOOKING punch" As someone who did Tang-Soo-Do (very simi;ar but more weapons) for 15 years, THAT is what makes the difference XD
what really gave me the feels is those quote: " in her heart - she IS a black belt " " If you quit - you failed, she didnt " The fact that she gave a passionate homage to her direct sensei during her "dance" shows what this relationship is all about.
Ik werd gewoon emotionele bij deze video, ik heb zelf 18 jaar judo gedaan 150 wedstrijden maar wat @michelle heeft ontdekt is het meest belangrijke van dit soort sporten doorzettingsvermogen en niet bang zijn om te verliezen. Want je krijgt er meer voor terug. Ik ben zelf op mijn laatste jaar dat ik wedstrijden deed bonds campinjoen ge worden. Michelle ❤ voor jou en je doorzettingsvermogen goed bezig en geef niet op.
I started TKD when i was 8 and now im 21. ive done it for 14 years and seeing your video honestly made me so proud of you and how you represented us. Not only did you show so much vulnerability but how hard the challenges are as a black belt or to get one. Not only did you not give up but you persevered, you showed people how much work, strength you need, not just physically but mentally. This video was so beautiful and I truly hope one day you will achieve earning your black belt.
I have watched about every single one of your Challenge Accepted videos, but not one of them has resonated to me so deeply that this one has. I do not nearly have even a white belt level of knowledge about martial arts, but watching this masterpiece of a documentary has made me reflect on my knowledge of overcoming my own obstacles. I have thought about this for hours after finishing the video, and this will stick to me for the rest of my life. Michelle, keep doing amazing things.
How this is not 10M views at least and 1M likes? This is the kind of content we love and support.That was just so amazing that I can’t even explain what kind of an impact it leaves on me all I know is something changed deep down, something encouraging me to face my fears to focus on my goals and to except loss otherwise I’ll never learn. Thank you sincerely Michelle for your honest meaningful and powerful videos. You are a very strong and inspiring women ❤
Earning your Black Belt is only the beginning of your training. I hope you continue in your training and break that brick so you can continue in your journey. Never give up!. You can do this! You inspire so many!
As someone who has been doing taekwondo for 6-7 years and has done all of the stuff u had to do in this video and is a second degree black belt I think this was great representation and it shows what we all go through to get to our belt! Iv been watching you for a while and seeing this video made me so excited! Keep up the good work I love your videos! ❤
As a black belt in taekwondo a black belt in 90 days is extremely impressive as you must know how each kick is performed and how to execute it correctly, nice job
No lie, I was so moved by the moment of realization at the greenbelt test. I've trained in martial arts, and this moved me so much, because of the inner work realized and done to move at different points. I appreciated the accountability, and ownership of failure, without deterrence, and the notice you had in understanding preparation for even the training that would prepare you for the tests. Loving the journey and not just the result. The respect for Grandmaster Rhee's system and result. Much honor and respect, Queen. Almost had me shed a tear.
EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS WAS INCREDIBLE!! This video truly inspired me in my own walk in life. I’ve been battling chronic OCD, anxiety, & depression for years now. I’ve poured all the strength that I’ve had to improve (as I do with everything). I muscle out every single struggle and have an absurd daily routine to “get over it”. This has moved me to tears in the simple encouragement to channel those efforts into the beautiful part of this journey: my challenges are an opportunity to flourish. Even if my mind and body can’t be at peace today or even next year, the habits I implement throughout my days don’t have to suck the life out of me. Instead they can nurture me, uplift me, & welcome me, resulting in sustainability. I hope you know that this video was worth EVERY effort because this story has inspired everyone in their INDIVIDUAL LIVES, IN THEIR STRUGGLES to see the light in whatever situation they’re going through. More stuff like this, because this message is NEEDED🥹💕
You got this Michelle I’ve been watching your channel for more than 10 or five months but you got it I believe in you plus I’ve been doing Tweit condo just for two years you got this
This video inspired me.. moved me.. made me cry because of my own failures.. “most of the students that fail blame others, she did not” i really felt that. Your strength, focus and dedication is something I really look up at. This is the first video I saw from you Michelle, I would pay money to see a film like this. What a production value! ❤ a new fan
As as blackbelt I took 9 years to rise to 3rd degree, I really admire the focus , compassion ,dedication and hard work you had towards being a blackbelt in 90 days ,, I'M really challenged . Your masters were exemplary good and I love how they were dedicated to make it happen.. Keep winning always . Remember no giving up!!!
I'm a former taekwondo instructor and have had my black belt for 10 years; I haven't practiced in years since I stepped away from taekwondo, but it will always be a part of who I am. Michelle, thank you for representing our sport so well. The dedication and respect you've shown throughout your journey truly embody the true spirit of taekwondo. AMAZING JOB!💗
I was literally JUST rewatching the Black Widow video where she couldn't master the kip up. Now it's not even a speed bump on her path. Michelle is so inspiring.
Hey Michelle, I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything that you do. Your videos are a special place for me on youtube where I can always come to find that inspiration that I need, whatever it might be for me in that moment, and most importantly - I really appreciate the journey that you show along the way. You've taught me that the only thing stopping me from starting something that I know I want to do is me, and that a small step either forward or backward is so much better and more rewarding than no step at all. Over the last six months I have: - Taught myself how to constantly re-evaluate my goals, helping me to get on top of years of substance abuse, and am on my way to sobriety - Overcome my fear of needing to control and plan everything by booking tickets to a music festival halfway around the world before I even had flights booked. Both this festival and travel have been on my bucket list for over 10 years and I finally did it! - Started balancing work and rest much better (yin and yang!), going from fortnightly burnout to consistent and sustainable productivity - Started my first steps towards exercising again for the first time since high school. It's been almost 7 years but while the best time to start something is yesterday, the second best time is today. - Continued learning French from high school and picked up learning Japanese and Spanish. Currently going almost 100 days strong with no plans on stopping soon. All of these started with small steps and there's been a lot of setbacks and failures along the way, but I wouldn't have dreamed six months ago that I would be kicking these goals like I am now - much love from Australia
Wow I found your channel randomly a few years back, and have checked in here and there cuz the vids are so amazing and inspiring to watch! This popped up today and WOW! I am in my 7th year in a martial art mixed of Tang Soo Doo and Kenpo, i just made 2nd degree black belt. For any rank of black you have to go through 6 months of rigorous testing, and then once they decide your ready/one random day you get the “green light” to go. You then have 30 days to put together your presentation/test of everything you’ve learned physically and mentally. This took me right back to those months of testing! I There were days I didn’t succeed, and wanted to give up, but if I had I would not be here saying this. I was surprised with a 3 board crab step side kick break at my 1st degree test. After 2 attempts/failing, I felt defeated. But that last time something just clicked inside me and I hit those boards with everything I had. I used all my power, yet it was also almost effortless. And I broke all 3 boards. It just rly goes to show when you remove that fear, and focus on the moment/task in front of you and give your all to it, that’s when results happen. So don’t give up Michelle! Go get that black belt!!!
I am a white belt in Taekwondo. I started just a few weeks ago and I love it, seeing you achieve the red belt so quickly, seeing the hard work you put in, seeing you do the mistakes in the beginning, I am currently doing has inspired me a lot. I fell in love with this Martial Art the first day I went on a trial practice session and my love for it keeps growing and watching this has given me a lot of inspiration and insight. I am going to try harder and become better at what I love. Your essay in the black belt exam in the end moved me to tears and I mean this literally, I have shed a tear or two and I sincerely thank you for that. I hope one day I reach the point where I can say, I am a Martial Artist.
I am a black belt in taekwondo and You can do it it takes a lot of effort but as long as you focus and take the time to develop the skills and techniques you can do it
I loved seeing someone so dedicated like I am to taekwondo. I started at 10 then quit but came back at 21. I got my black belt back in May of 2024 and I tore my ACL doing my last board break (broke the board but still). I'm not going to let it stop me from going further and being only 6 months post op, I've got new motivation to keep me going now. Much like how the brick break is an obstacle to overcome, a flying side kick will be mine.
Michelle, hoping you read this comment. The emotional journey that this story took me on was amazing. The art form of martial arts is an amazing story in itself. I have been wanting to achieve this myself throughout my life as well. I've been in 3 styles of karate and not quite gotten there. Your story has literally brought me to tears several times. Not tears of sorrow or pain but tears of the emotional journey of dedication and achievement. This is by far your best story to date. The Masters, Black Belts & Students throughout all are inspiring to watch and listen to. Thank you for giving me & all of us a look into your amazing journey & story. Bret Gash
I, as a 13-year-old who is a 2nd-degree black belt, have huge respect for you. I saw how much this video meant to you. Not just for a video but as a self-reflection on your learning. I spent over 4 to 5 years getting my first-degree black belt. I got it over the pandemic when I was in 4th grade to be specific. But now, 2 years ago in March, I did my second. What Motivation do I see in you, the troubles you had on this challenge. It made me reflect on what I did over the years on what accomplished. Ofc my place we don't break bricks🥲, the just gave us really THICK wooden boards. But me now reflecting on HOW I broke the board is now what I think of. Many people I seen broke it. Most of us, with fear of failing, and people, who just wants to show off what they succeeded. I just felt how I was able to get this far, with all of my trouble and pain. Thank you Michelle for making me think again and again about things, life, working so hard to achieve. You are truly a hero at heart ❤❤❤❤
I was sitting on my couch with my hand over my mouth, barely breathing due most of the final test! It legit felt like a movie but even better because it was real and so heartfelt 😆
the most authentic youtuber ive come across in a long time. you are teaching powerful lessons, appreciating and exposing beautiful cultures, and encouraging people to take on challenges. i am in awe. keep up the amazing work ❤❤❤
Hello, I’m at Tae Kwon Do student of 11 years and an instructor as well, albeit of a slightly different style and I most teach children. I’m impressed by how much you were able to learn and to master. That is not something I could dream to see from many of my students. I hope you are able to earn your black belt soon, but it takes time. I took 2 years and 9 months to earn mine, which was record speed for my studio but nothing compared to what you were trying to do. Keep going, keep training! I hope you find the joy in both forms and sparring, the twin pillars of high level Tae Kwon Do. I’m glad people who haven’t tried TKD can watch you video for inspiration!
Your drive is getting stronger with every challenge. Production is getting better too. Michelle, this one we need a Part II of! You're going to get that Black Belt and we're gonna cheer you on when you do! What an absolute warrior and inspiration! We believe in you!
Oh my god! Watching you do this while on your period is so wonderfully inspiring. I'm so amazed that you are inspiring young girls to keep getting out there and trying things, even during your period. I love that you didn't cut that part out of the video. I know that, for some girlies, myself included, the cramps and the bleeding can be debilitating. Thank you for being such a queen Michelle. Never stop being your true self!
Michelle: Thank you so much for sharing this video that ends in "failure". You didn't reach your end goal, but I think that made the journey all the more relatable and the message all the more powerful. I struggle with the idea that people won't like me if I'm not perfect in front of them. I could be wrong, but I sense that we are alike in that way. Thank you for having the courage to post this video. I've subscribed to your channel for many years now and I've really enjoyed watching your self-confidence grow over this time. You are such a lovely person and you deserve all the respect you've earned from people from all walks of life. By the way, coincidentally, I started Taekwondo this September and passed my first belt test just this past Thursday! I chose to take lessons because I really respected the discipline involved in this sport. I also wanted to get back into training regularly, after taking a six-year break from competitive sport. Thank you for talking about the importance of a balanced mindset. I truly believe that was the key to your success. Congratulations to you and your team on such a great video - and I hope your Taekwondo journey continues to bring positivity into your life! (Also, thank you for posting the part about starting your period at training. It's really important to normalize this - because it has probably happened to most women and girls at least once, yet we don't talk about it!)
Michelle, ur videos are awesome. But personally for me, this is the best one yet. I'm honestly challenged by ur crazy determination. I'm really not an emotional person but this challenge really moved me. It changed the way I view the art and I respect it more than I used to. U're really changing and challenging the minds and hearts of people more than u realize. Keep up the great work.
This was by far the best one! Would love to even see a series on you continuing your journey through taekwondo on achieving your black belt and beyond! This was amazing
Michelle and Kara & Nate are the two TH-camrs that deserve a tv show. I would love to see them have their own show on Netflix, more people need to see these❤
No its these kinda videos that make me cry honestly. Someones genuine effort and a group of people coming together to share their knowledge. You did amazing and i hope you continue your taekwondo and update us if you do!
So this made me cry. I used to do horse back riding a few months ago. I was starting to get better and better at jumping. It taught me so many things. I even got to be in competition in a short amount of time. But one day I slipped my foot in a jump and I fell off the horse. Breaking my arm in shambles and fracturing my wrist. I passed a 4+ hour surgery to get bones out and metals in. After that, it's never been the same. I don't have the same mobility on my arm now. Even if I can use it now. It cracks a lot every time I move it. I lost all hope on going back to the sport I love. But with this video. You seriously inspired me at my recovery, hoping that one day, I can come back stronger than ever before. Thank you Michelle
That was such a good documentary on martial arts! I have black belts from numerous systems and did not think you could do it in 90 days, but I was wrong. Everything that was demonstrated in the last exam, as one of the examiners pointed out, was black belt quality. It is only the technicality of the brick break that is holding you back. You NEED to fulfill this and break that brick. Failure is not an option, and you only fail when you quit. There needs to be a follow-up video demonstrating your success and you officially earning your title and rank of 1st Dan. You owe it not only to the entire team that was helping you along the way, but more importantly, you owe it to yourself. I hope you do more content related to this in the future, and if you are ever in the Midwest, I would be happy to teach you the system that we teach. You need to break that brick first though!
watching this made me very emotional. i did this sport when i was very young. it changed my life. i never made it to black belt cause my mom didn’t feel comfortable with me learning how to fight others. ironic cause i need to know how to do self defense as a 23 year old women. it’s incredible seeing others cherishing this sport and making it come to life. from the bottom of my heart, thank you. you’re amazing and so incredibly strong. your passion shows and it’s incredibly inspiring 🩷
This video really resonates with me. I've practiced taekwondo for several years and finally earned my black belt. My master was part of the personal security team for the Korean president, so I was fortunate to train at such a prestigious dojo. One interesting detail is that our black belt testing lasted 10 hours, the longest in my entire state! It was a tremendous amount of hard work, and what many people don’t realize is how mentally taxing it can be. I eventually quit, not due to pressure, but because I lost the joy in it. Training every day as if your life depended on it was the norm! I won’t even get into the harsh competitive spirit, especially as a woman, where one bad day can really take a toll. I admire Michelle for putting herself through all of this in just 90 days-it's truly impressive! I’ve learned that no student finds taekwondo "easy" throughout their journey, and everyone faces challenges in earning their black belt, regardless of age, strength, or mental health. Personally, I’m not sure if I could return to it, but I’m grateful for the lessons I learned and glad others get to experience those same feelings.
The most enjoyable part of this video is how Michelle advances in her movement over time. It is not perfect, but the change is remarkably visible in this format. Beautiful.
Thank you for doing this Michelle, because I’m a black belt in taekwondo and everyone who doesn’t do it says “oh it’s so easy” but there’s so much more to it much more stress much more sacrifices but at the end of it I feel good I started at the age of 7 but I’m 11 now thanks for inspiring me to do more! ❤
I just finished watching this and it was absolutely incredible. Your spirit and strength translated beautifully through the quality and cinematography. I found myself crying at the end. This message felt more powerful than the alternative. I can’t wait to see what other challenges you take on with this longer storytelling format!
This is genuinely the best thing I've watched since a while i didn't even realize it's more than an hour..i used to do karate as a kid than stopped at my own choice that i thought i needed to focus on my studies even tho it didn't really distracted me and I've never in my life regret anything i did before as quiting karate..last year i thought abt reentering material art and for some reason non were open for registration..lott had happened this year many sad things my mom passing away who supported my choice to go back it's my worst year ever however watching ur video i don't even know u but watching that vid give me the biggest inspiration and I'm so thankful for u as a girl myself..i will try my best to join material art very soon I'll renovate my energy and make this sadness my pushing power inchlh..thank u so much for such an inspiring vid and tryings it made me realize once again that I'm still capable of doing so much more that i can use my body now and move it how i want,it just light up that spark that i thought turned to ashes cuz of all what happened to me..keep going even tho i don't know u i hope u know that u inspire me as girl as human and someone who tries and never give up💗
I'll make sure to update here inchlh abt how it goes once i enroll and start🫂so i can see my own progress and how things could change even for someone like me who's still young but feels very old from the inside as life burnt me up.
I liked the editing in this. I also appreciate how serious Michelle takes the challenges. Kind of cool to see the lesson that getting a black belt isn't just a trophy achievement, that it is about mastering the art.
I trained in Tang Soo Do (the brother art of Taekwondo) for around seven years and made it almost to second degree black belt before stopping my training due to outside circumstances. Watching this video, hearing the familiar terminology, and seeing all of the techniques I miss doing is inspiring me to want to go back to training, so thank you Michelle! Learning martial arts is an incredible task to undertake, especially in such a short time, but the lessons that you learn on the mat are carried with you for the rest of your life, and those lessons go beyond mere self defense.
Love the production quality in this full length feature. Taking on this challenge is probably one of the hardest yet, just from the dedication alone. As I was watching you fight an Olympian, the ferocity of her attacks would be incredibly intimidating. I hope you keep up the training... you deserve the black belt.
Why did I cry when Michelle got her red belt?! 🥹😭 how inspiring!! Truly. This all from beginning to end is amazing. Learning more about yourself and strengthening yourself within each belt 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙏🏼
I absolutely appreciate and respect that you chose Taekwondo as a challenge accepted for your video! And this is coming from a Korean-American who is a long fan of yours! Thank you for doing this Korean sport!
this made me emotional, i could see the focus in your face. How hard you worked. You're truly inspiring and I enjoy watching you doing these challenges
Michelle, I have been watching you since Buzzfeed. I started following specifically you when you trained for a marathon in 10 weeks. This is by far your best video on multiple levels. The story telling, the camera work, editing, music, interviews, your attitude and confessionals... So many years have passed and I can't believe how you still find ways to challenge yourself and bring us so much inspiration. I've been trying to qualify for the boston marathon for many years now but have fallen short for various reasons. Seeing you, what you overcome, in every video, helps keep me going. In particular, your exploration of embracing more Yin. While watching, I realized I need some of that. Thank you for all you do. Admiration from Mexico.
Thank you so much for watching and supporting our first FEATURE LENGTH episode! Martial arts is only made possible by only the generosity of the generations before us who pass on these traditions, skillsets, and life lessons. Please know that ANY success you may see throughout this episode is only made possible by the incredible Los Angeles taekowndo community. They truly are the best of the best. ❤
👌
What is the next video
@@MichelleKhare you did amazing!
Michelle im from South Korea
Please keep us update if you went and broke that Brick, please. The dedication you put forth in this video. My niece and nephew got a Black Belt in TaeKwonDo. It took them 3 years. I do not know if anybody who has achieved this amount of success in Martial Arts in this short amount of time. Keep challenging yourself in this field. Much love from NM
This girl doing all this ON HER PERIOD ??!!! THIS IS TRUE MOTIATION FOR ME and also the hard work she put into this
Period does not last for 90 days, usually
Lol@@alaychem
@@alaychem yea, but those 90 days do include 12 days of menstruation
@@alaychem Do all this on your period and then we will talk
@suryaprasanth5459 I'm an ex pro athlete. We trained, sat exams/tests, did major competitions and performed, all while on our periods! You work through it, like it or not. It's part of being a female athlete. You can't just make excuses and say you're on your period. You push through periods, injuries or rehab, and you show up 💯 every time because you have to, to excel in your given sport.
HTH! 💖🏴⛸️
Michelle is straight up dropping movies at the point
Definitely agree
Not just movies, the best movies
Yess
Fr
Faer
As a taekwondo student of 13 years, a black belt, and instructor, I am extremely impressed! You represented the sport incredibly well! Congrats!
Nice job
children Will have better chance to get black belt
@@rachelwoodward4915 Likewise. I saw that you earned your second dan black belt as well. Awesome!
@@KevinTruong-b5r What do you mean by that?
Doesn't matter what you are mate, anyone can be impressed xc
Michelle published this video exactly 48 days before i wrote this comment, AKA the day that i took and passed my own black belt test. I watched the video minutes after it was posted. During the time period leading up to her posting this video, i was reaching my 6th year anniversary of biggening my martial arts training, and was feeling quite burned out on the subject, and was seriously considering quitting. Seeing Michelle's journey through the up's and down's of martial arts inspired me to continue and persevere through my training. Since I watched this video, i have met & closely bonded with many people through karate, and i realized that my training, and the people i met along the way have brought out the best in me. I wrote this comment with tears of joy and gratitude in my eyes, and my black belt around my waist. Even though i don't personally know you, i want to thank you for inspiring me in the way that you did.
~Thank you so much
-Tillman D.
Received black belt at Kovar's Satori academy on 12-14-2024 thanks to you.
Congrats on getting your black belt.
@@tillmansrescueservice1194 congratulations
Tillmansrescueservice1194 that's amazing congrats
Tillmansrescueservice1194 that's amazing congrats
Congratulations, You deserve it for persevering your through all your hard work you just need a bit of motivation and to see someone work hard as well showcased what you need. Well done and hope you train other to do that same. We need more inspirations from everyone.
This is BY FAR my favorite challenge accepted. My gosh so deep and beautiful to see the deep respect and appreciation these teachers have for the sport and their students. The students not only learn from their teachers but the teachers learn from the students. It’s a sport that gives and takes both ways. Thank you for doing this!! You are a BADASS!! And you have officially inspired me to start Tae-Kwon-Doe!
yes!! congratulations, can say i can barely cut a carrot but good luck on your journey >:D
Doing BJJ and Muay Thai was the best decision I ever made so hell yes on going to TKD, I hope you excel!
@@Goodwishes67 *Taek won-do
@@soully98thank you!! ❤
Good luck with that! And yes, it's 1000% my favorite one as well. I was moved to tears multiple times throughout it. One of the most inspiring things I've watched, TH-cam or otherwise.
You performing the black belt form at the end with flashbacks of your instructor doing the form as well got me emotional. That was a great homage to the teacher that taught you.
Damn it... this is youtube. Never did I ever expect to feel so many different emotions on this platform when I began using it 18 years ago. This video may very well be the current peak of youtube. Well done @MichelleKhare.....well done.
I said the exact same thing to my boyfriend. This is the reason I watch TH-cam! Thank you MIchelle, you're an inspiration like always. I have an insane amount of admiration for you
I agree to every word you said. I felt the exact same thing. Michelle is a black belt undoubtedly
this video genuinely made me cry. i left karate at 14 because of the quarantine. i won first place in the KTOC national competition for sparring, and became a red black belt, but i left before my black belt. i got the worst variant of covid and became deadly sick, and my lungs werent able to fully recover from the strain of the virus. it made me become lazy and unmotivated, and even my personal life began to slip, and my grades plummeted, and i stopped going to karate. i never forgave myself for it, and i miss my sport so so much. watching this video made me feel so happy, seeing martial arts be recognized for being so difficult yet so rewarding. im 17 now, and almost off to college. this video made me pick up the love i once had for this sport. there is one thing every single former athlete has in common once they leave a sport. they always miss the sport they once had so much passion for.
thank you so so much michelle for giving me the opportunity to reflect on myself and take up karate again. :)
Hopefully Michelle inspires you to never give up, never surrender & be determined to make Black Belt. Shame ya had covid. Glad you made it past such.
i did karate like as a 8 or 9 year old and left after i hit yellow orange stripe, it wasn't for me, i quit, i didnt like it, still not sure exactly why but yeah, this is something too.
1 HOUR ?!?! Is it a youtube video or a movie at this point. Amazing quality keep up the good work.
It’s our first feature length project!! Y’all have been asking for longer videos so we went all out with this one haha :)
This is the first video I took my time to watch... You have challenged me
@@MichelleKhare Michelle it’s gonna be my birthday and I’m going to be 18 and what challenge are you gonna do next
@@MichelleKharehave you ever come in India😊
@@MichelleKharelovely video I inspire from you Michelle..you will go back in future to earn black belt again?,Please reply
You could not have written a better ending with a better lesson. You really outperformed on this journey
Michelle, I just saw your video. I have been practicing Taekwondo for seven and a half years. I am a 2nd degree black belt. Started when I was 43 years old. I am amazed what you did and how much you accomplished. I am advising you not to give up and finish what you have stated to reach the black belt no matter how long it takes. Many don't reach because it takes time and work. You are almost there. Finish the race.
She managed to break the brick day on day 264. She only posted it on instagram :D
The moment you realized that brute force was not enough, that you needed to find balance to be successful...This is what touched my heart. I watched this video several times because I found myself needing to find that balance. I am a quick study with most things, but I find myself lacking the full commitment to become a master. I find myself being a jack of all trades, master of none. Thank you for pointing out that I need to find that balance so that I can appreciate each thing to its fullness. Keep us posted when you do earn that black belt.
I am similar in this regard, but also think that Michelle too. This gives her the ability and power to do all these challenges. I had some trouble myself with accepting to be jack-of-all and master of none, but I realized that it can become a quality and not a fault. So i get you, and wish you success in your journey
You watched this several times? It’s a 49 almost 50 minute video.
I feel that. I'm v proficient at many things but i wish i had the discipline and dedication to truly master something
@@taoist32 I watched it in totality once by myself, once with the wife, and then i selectively watched different sections. This was a packed episode.
@@taoist32 Even more than that, the video is 1 hour and 17 minutes
24:45 "Didn't you say that we would have to have blood, sweat and tears to get to the black belt?" AHHAHAHHA. Brilliant.
Michelle, my daughter is 10 years old and is currently a red belt. We both watched your video together and it has motivated her so much to continue her training. Watching you put in the work and never giving up was so inspiring. Her favorite part was when you said how purple belt is so slay. 😁
Thank you for showing girls and women are capable of doing anything they put their mind to. You are an inspiration!🫶
🥹 please tell your daughter I’m cheering for her!!!
@@MichelleKhare You totally made her day! 🥹♥️🥰
Hi Michelle you have motivated me so much well even tho I am not in taekwondo I am in karate (JKA ) I am in green belt and ya i am not that strong but seeing this video has motivated me too much 🥹🥹 thank you so much ❤️
@@MichelleKhareare you Indian?
@@sapnaahuja6107she is
I’m 25 years old female student in veterinarian medical school now and you Michelle really inspired me to achieve my dream by starting to learn martial arts I follow you for a very long time and you’re an amazing inspiring woman I wanna thank you and keep it up love your videos!!!
I always feel like the videos get better and better. Not because the ones before were bad but it just feels like it is always fresh and exciting. It doesn't feel stagnant or like it is at it's peak. The videos all feel human from all perspectives and they are filled with love and desication which is beautiful!
I'm so glad she understands that we don't need her to be perfect all the time. We love seeing her giving it her all, pushing herself, and not taking on these challenges lightly. She accomplishes SO much by dedicating herself completely and it reminds me that power is in me too 💕
True. We are not expecting her to be perfect, we are expecting her to have fun in all her journeys ❤ I love her videos
I kind of love that you didn’t get the black belt especially since Peter failed it for the first time as well and it just really shows how much mental strength the sport really takes. But it was an amazing journey to watch I loved the video sooo much
Same! I loved their heartfelt comments, but I was really hoping they wouldn’t give her an honorary black belt. Aside from being unfair to all the others, I think it would have cheapened what she accomplished with this challenge 🫶🏻
I also concur.
Though I do hope she takes a retest in the future to try again for the belt in a future video
I wish you’d put a spoiler warning on this. It was the first thing I saw when I loaded the video.
@ haha okay I mean half of the comments are spoilers if you haven't learned that by now I can't help you 😅
First and foremost, thank you for representing this art form and sport so well by not only showing the physical aspects of it, but also the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects as well.
In the organization of taekwondo I trained in, the American Taekwondo Association, there is a story that goes something like this. . .
Eternal Grand Master H. U. Lee, the creator of Songahm Taekwondo, once had a young white-belt come up to him. (For context, since H. U. Lee created the style of Taekwondo called Songahm, he was the highest ranked member for quite a while.) The little kid asked, “If you’re the highest rank in the organization, who teaches you?”
Eternal Grand Master H. U. Lee responded, “You do.”
Eternal Grand Master H. U. Lee truly meant it. The deeper meaning behind Eternal Grand Master’s answer has to do with the teacher-student relationship. Students, especially beginners, learn from their teachers. And teachers learn from their beginner students because in order to teach a beginner, you may have to change the way you think about the material in order for the student to understand it. This new way of thinking about the material gives the teacher not only another way to teach, but also another way to understand the material for themselves.
Taekwondo, at least in the style of Sonaghm, is built so that in order to progress in the ranks, you have to eventually become a teacher. This way, you continue to learn and material and life lessons are passed down from generation to generation.
WOW the editing for the choreo for Michelle’s blackbelt test was amazing! It really gives off the vibe of using everything you’ve learned so far such as Michelle using techniques and blending the footage of her masters teaching her
that ending gave me CHILLS!! seeing her fail makes this message so much more human and so much more powerful, and I think missing out on the black belt matched that perfectly (in the best way possible). Breaking a brick with your bare hands is not something that can be done through sheer muscle or force. it's only accomplished with the proper technique, mindset and experience to fully embrace the art for all it is. Not being able to do it after trying a few times, just goes to show that the "yin" is something she's still learning and I know this will shape every challenge she does from now on. easily the best youtube video ive ever watched - thank you SO MUCH michelle for doing what you do ❤
You give a spoiler
@@BrianGowieNg-y8xthis is the comment section for this exact video. It's only a spoiler if this is a series and the comment is about the next episode.
It’s almost physically impossible. The hand needs to be conditioned, that’s why it takes years to get blackbelt.
Yes. I couldnt agree more, its that raw truth and things that are just not instant.. you cannot speed it up. Some things just takes time
And im really glad for one, she got the chance to take her time at the brick breaking. That way she’ll learn way lot more. Thats very encouraging. Just amazing, how inspiring “failure” or a process can be.
Wow.
Your speech at your black belt test was absolutely spot on. Anyone can learn material and power their way through it, but to really be able to understand the meaning and feeling behind all of it is something that can’t be rushed. I’m very happy to see that you learned that. I’m also very happy to see that Master Rhee kept his word and didn’t give you your black belt just because cameras were there. As you said in the beginning of the video boards and bricks are now meant as a metaphor to be able to over come things. You were scared of the brick at your test that was your first mistake. You have to be able to be mentally ready first before you can break it. Once again that is where the art of this comes in. You can try to muscle through the brick but you will end up hurting yourself. Over all this was a great video and I was very against the idea of you doing this in 90 days not because it took me years to get it but because of all the other things you miss, but you recognize that in the video. You are an amazing athlete, but you taking the time to do this will make you an amazing martial artist. Last thing a black belt isn’t something you wear around your waist, but it is something you are in your heart.
Pil Sung
that's true bro great job for noticing
To earn a black belt, is a honored accomplishment. Not only does it show the respect of the form of martial arts, but it shows respect for the sensei I also agree with what was said at the end. If others had to break the brick for their black belt, it wouldn't be fair to award it to Michelle. But reghardless Michelle let us know when you do finally achieve your black belt.
Every time she did something the right way you can see that it looks like hes thinking "Thats my girl" He looks so proud of everything she does.
I don't usually leave comments on videos but this deserves it so much if I don't, am arrogant! As much as I admire your unprecedented encourage and Strength, I can't forget the notorious man behind all of this, Gareth! Who everyone seems to unnoticed. Huge respect to him and the whole team at large, for the incredible transitions, charming cinematic sounds, the overlapping of cuts scenes, and the thoughtful visual effects of the Korean calligraphy. Undoubtedly he mastered the craft of storytelling and this deserves an Emmy. Love it with every fiber of my being. 🎉
I'm biased but I certainly agree that Garrett really is the best :). So grateful for the whole team and all of our amazing collaborators!
@@MichelleKhare Trust me you don't have to be, you're the bigger picture here and the corner stone of challenge accepted. I literally was sitting on an egg the whole time, especially the black belt test, my eyes were like this 😳 fixed and tight 😄😄, definitely one of my favourite moments. But all-in-all I celebrate both of y'all, Perfect intertwined couples. 😍
Michelle, I myself failed the first time testing for my Black belt, it is a painful thing to go through. I made it 3 months later and I was training for about 7 years at that point. As I stepped higher it was much more difficult, during my test for 4th degree Black Belt I tore both my ACL and MCL, during the sparring portion. That put me on the shelf for over a year, after the surgery and rehab the flexibility in my left leg was severely limited as was the strength. I stepped away because of that injury and I am now 60 years of age. I do not practice like I once did but I still use the discipline it taught me in my daily life, remember that this is just the beginning of your journey, when it is time it will come. Please continue your training and it will come. I wish you all the best and a healthy life. Remember this failure as you will draw strength from it when needed.
I have so much respect for the sacrifice you gave in the effort to grow. I hope you have no regrets.
@@DanKaschel No sir I do not. My martial arts training helped me get through difficult things in my life. Like Marine Corps boot camp back in the early 1980's. It taught me patience, determination, and when to use aggression properly.
Awesome story, thanks for sharing!
Damn sensei, what were you doing that you sustained such injuries?
@@RossPacino I appreciate you calling me Sensei however I am no longer practicing or helping the younger ones any longer. As I said I was sparring multiple people while going for my 4th Degree Black belt and the best we can figure it is I threw a roundhouse and one other opponent threw a sidekick into my knee by accident and basically blew it out we all heard a very large pop, and when I went to put weight on it I just fell forward simply because of the pain.
Michelle this is SO AMAZING!!! I remember when you started this project like 6 months ago and we were talking about it in LA and I can’t believe your journey!!! After living in Korea for a few years and training to get a black belt in taekwondo myself, i remember how challenging it was - and this story is one of the most inspiring I’ve ever seen on TH-cam. Keep crushing it !! 🇰🇷🇰🇷🇰🇷
wow Drew Binsky watches Challenge Accepted too😀
Two of my favorite youtubers🥰 thank you guys
Wow. This was very inspiring and kind of you to say about Michelle. I agree. She is an amazing person with great dedication and motivation ❤
As a Dad who has hit a bit of his own rut in his life. Trying to be a good inspiration to my kids as well as a support system for my wife I learned quickly that I've slowed down in my age. I'm feeling a bit hopeless and want to do so many things but never feel like I have the energy for it. I've always considered TH-cam some place where kids watch videos of Fortnite and how-to-fix things videos. Little did I know I would come across your channel. It started with your chess video that left me welled up with pride in what you did and in tears, to your F1 experience to now, this video. I can only say that you've inspired this 48 year old Dad to take on some challenges for not only myself but for my family. This is my Day 1. Thank you Michelle and your amazing team for this video. Thank you for being brave enough to do it and brave enough to fail. You're a true gift to the human spirit and never giving up.
I feel that Taekwondo is gaining well-deserved recognition and stepping back into the spotlight. This video is incredible, and I hope it inspires more people to give Taekwondo a try. Michelle’s demonstration is a true testament to perseverance and indomitable spirit, and it’s wonderful to see both Master Philip Rhee and Simon Rhee make an appearance. I was lucky to meet them, along with Master Herb Perez and Master AJ Munoz. Even if you don’t have your black belt yet, you already have the mindset of a black belt. Remember, wearing your belt is more than just tying it around your waist; it’s about carrying it in your heart and mind.
none of this would work in a real fight
@@polarcreator4820 Define "real fight" first!
You can be the best MCMAP Navy Seal, ROK, SAS, CQC and still lose to 14-year old with no training.
And if you say MMA, know that MMA is just a sport with rules and referees, and they'd still most likely lose against a person with a knife!
Good luck trying a kimura against someone with a knife.
@ I completely agree with the knife part, best this is to run in that scenario… MMA is obviously the best in a real fight as you would outclass the average person in every single scenario
As I’m sitting here rocking my first daughter to sleep, I’m weeping. She will be 1 in 29 days. I pray she grows up to be at least half of the woman you are. It is so inspiring that there are strong, beautiful, and capable women like yourself who so gracefully accept their responsibility as a role model to young girls through their career. I can’t wait to let my daughter watch these when she is older, and be inspired to know she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. Thank you, Michelle ♥️
dont set succh low standards for your child
So cute
After posting my comment I read yours and you said it perfectly as a parent she's definitely a great example ❤
For the my kids I know ❤
@@gxxtmaneok pal, you’re really a ray of sunshine
I open youtube for the first time in almost 5 years. She pops up, never heard of her before, never seen her beofre. I just sat here for an hour and became the biggest fan, a true inspiration. You inspire me to do something. I dont know what, but i just can't sit still after watching this. The ending almost made me cry, but you can do it. Keep going. Don't give up. You are writing a story and a very interesting one
Your youtube account was created 1 year ago though?
@@reminderIknowsmaybe he didnt have an acc
@@minecraftstoryroblox2227 fair
This is the craziest TH-cam comment I ever seen
I to got inspired.
Ill watch 3 more today.
Opened you tube, this popped up never watched you before. As an ex instructor it was inspiring to see the seriousness, effort & commitment you gave to this journey & the legends that trained you. The brick represents different challenges to each practitioner. If you havent broken it already, i have no doubt you will. Your training has it beat, when you see it in your mind without doubt & feel it in your body, that brick will be toast. Fantastic effort Michelle 🙏
Omg, " this is about self-defense . DEFEND YOURSELF " that was a cold line
I’m not gonna lie, the last part literally got me crying, the fact that Michelle manages to achieve so much is at a superhuman level. :)
Hello! I recently tested for my black belt last week and passed.
This journey, to me, was unbelievably inspiring. In my opinion; you are a black belt. You always have been. I have been told you do not earn a black belt the day you test, but you earn it every day you train. And I completely agree with that. You have put so much dedication into taekwondo, even if you do not display that belt on that waist, in your heart, character, and mind, you have achieved black belt excellence.
Do not stop training, again, this is only the beginning.
congrats for the black belt!!
@ Thank you!
Congrats! I hope I can be a black belt as well someday 🥋
@@cecil3602 Well, start now!
In my opinion, what makes a black belt is a commitment to that goal.
Congrats for getting your black belt! I am training for my second degree back belt Also In taekwondo!. (There is 9 degrees In my tkd School)
It takes Practice and Effort for getting a black belt!
This is so inspiring. I've dreamed of getting a black belt for years. Not just getting the belt but actually BEING on that level. But then I broke my arm and stopped training. But even before my injury, whenever I saw people younger than me or those with more experience do so well, instead of being inspired, I felt fear and even shame and blamed myself for not starting sooner or trying harder. Seeing what you accomplished in only 90 days, whilst being surrounded by only world renowned martial artists, completely changed my point of view. I cannot thank you enough. Instead of feeling bad about yourself or comparing yourself to others in a negative way, you put all that energy into improving your skills and doing something that nobody has ever achieved before. Michelle thank you. I'm going to continue my journey in taekwondo with a whole different mindset.
Love that they kept the bar high. All the more inspiring to see the you finding your limit (for once) and still being able to see your astonishing achievement.
To be trained by Dae Han Park and Tommy Lee is just AMAZING! Best of the Best is one of my favorite movies! You did them proud, I was just welling up with pride watching your complete your belt challenges. My daughter received her black belt at 11 and it brought back those feelings of utter pride and just sheer happiness to see you excel and put in the work and dedication. You are truly a hero and I look forward to seeing you break that brick! Thank you for this AMAZING video!
you and your daughter are amazing!!
did your daughter also have to break a brick to earn her black belt? i can't imagine how a small person with not much muscle can do that!
@@oxoelfoxo My daughter received her youth black belt in karate. So, she did not have to break a brick. She did have to fight/spar 1 on 1 4 times, then 2 on 1, then 4 on 1. And finally, she had to fight an instructor. It basically looks like a gang initiation. It was so hard to watch your little girl getting beat up. But, they are not looking for technique but rather the willingness and fortitude to fight through impossible odds. I would recommend martial arts for any kiddos out there.
Michelle always surprises me. But when she trains, she means that shit. Everyone was right when they talked about her and how they watched her, when they started out worried that she wouldnt be serious and that she would mock the sport with a silly youtube video, she really showed them her dedication and seriousness to anything that she puts her self into.
You could see the moment Phillip said "I want you to work - effortless." The change in Michelle's face. She had never even thought of framing it like that in her mind, but he helped her to acknowledge it was even a possibility. Absolutely incredible mentorship, in just a single line. Not to mention the follow-up line.
Inspiring to say the least.
"Not just a good punch, but a good LOOKING punch"
As someone who did Tang-Soo-Do (very simi;ar but more weapons) for 15 years, THAT is what makes the difference XD
As someone who's an tang soo do practitioner, I agree!
I was in Tang-Soo-Do for a few years and loved it!
My son at 4 just started Tang-Soo-Do! It made watching this video extra special and enjoyable.
Michelle’s straight-up amazing! She’s mastered so many martial arts-it’s next level!
what really gave me the feels is those quote: " in her heart - she IS a black belt " " If you quit - you failed, she didnt "
The fact that she gave a passionate homage to her direct sensei during her "dance" shows what this relationship is all about.
🤮🤮
Ik werd gewoon emotionele bij deze video, ik heb zelf 18 jaar judo gedaan 150 wedstrijden maar wat @michelle heeft ontdekt is het meest belangrijke van dit soort sporten doorzettingsvermogen en niet bang zijn om te verliezen. Want je krijgt er meer voor terug. Ik ben zelf op mijn laatste jaar dat ik wedstrijden deed bonds campinjoen ge worden. Michelle ❤ voor jou en je doorzettingsvermogen goed bezig en geef niet op.
Oh boy was I crying most of the entire last test. Your choice to post this when you did shows your mindset is right. I can't wait for the update post!
I started TKD when i was 8 and now im 21. ive done it for 14 years and seeing your video honestly made me so proud of you and how you represented us. Not only did you show so much vulnerability but how hard the challenges are as a black belt or to get one. Not only did you not give up but you persevered, you showed people how much work, strength you need, not just physically but mentally. This video was so beautiful and I truly hope one day you will achieve earning your black belt.
I have watched about every single one of your Challenge Accepted videos, but not one of them has resonated to me so deeply that this one has. I do not nearly have even a white belt level of knowledge about martial arts, but watching this masterpiece of a documentary has made me reflect on my knowledge of overcoming my own obstacles. I have thought about this for hours after finishing the video, and this will stick to me for the rest of my life. Michelle, keep doing amazing things.
Right?! This is truly something that stays with you.
How this is not 10M views at least and 1M likes? This is the kind of content we love and support.That was just so amazing that I can’t even explain what kind of an impact it leaves on me all I know is something changed deep down, something encouraging me to face my fears to focus on my goals and to except loss otherwise I’ll never learn.
Thank you sincerely Michelle for your honest meaningful and powerful videos. You are a very strong and inspiring women ❤
Earning your Black Belt is only the beginning of your training. I hope you continue in your training and break that brick so you can continue in your journey. Never give up!. You can do this! You inspire so many!
Though I do hope she takes a retest in the future to try again for the belt in a future video
As someone who has been doing taekwondo for 6-7 years and has done all of the stuff u had to do in this video and is a second degree black belt I think this was great representation and it shows what we all go through to get to our belt! Iv been watching you for a while and seeing this video made me so excited! Keep up the good work I love your videos! ❤
As a black belt in taekwondo a black belt in 90 days is extremely impressive as you must know how each kick is performed and how to execute it correctly, nice job
I’m a black belt in karate
Same
I made it to green belt in karate 🥋
No lie, I was so moved by the moment of realization at the greenbelt test. I've trained in martial arts, and this moved me so much, because of the inner work realized and done to move at different points. I appreciated the accountability, and ownership of failure, without deterrence, and the notice you had in understanding preparation for even the training that would prepare you for the tests. Loving the journey and not just the result. The respect for Grandmaster Rhee's system and result. Much honor and respect, Queen. Almost had me shed a tear.
EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS WAS INCREDIBLE!! This video truly inspired me in my own walk in life. I’ve been battling chronic OCD, anxiety, & depression for years now. I’ve poured all the strength that I’ve had to improve (as I do with everything). I muscle out every single struggle and have an absurd daily routine to “get over it”. This has moved me to tears in the simple encouragement to channel those efforts into the beautiful part of this journey: my challenges are an opportunity to flourish. Even if my mind and body can’t be at peace today or even next year, the habits I implement throughout my days don’t have to suck the life out of me. Instead they can nurture me, uplift me, & welcome me, resulting in sustainability. I hope you know that this video was worth EVERY effort because this story has inspired everyone in their INDIVIDUAL LIVES, IN THEIR STRUGGLES to see the light in whatever situation they’re going through. More stuff like this, because this message is NEEDED🥹💕
Absolutely! I literally felt God speaking to me in the final chapter!
i haven’t seen this yet but i’m SO happy you finally have a longer video
Yas
You got this Michelle I’ve been watching your channel for more than 10 or five months but you got it I believe in you plus I’ve been doing Tweit condo just for two years you got this
I came to comment just that. Love the longer formats. ❤
What?
This video inspired me.. moved me.. made me cry because of my own failures.. “most of the students that fail blame others, she did not” i really felt that. Your strength, focus and dedication is something I really look up at. This is the first video I saw from you Michelle, I would pay money to see a film like this. What a production value!
❤ a new fan
As as blackbelt I took 9 years to rise to 3rd degree, I really admire the focus , compassion ,dedication and hard work you had towards being a blackbelt in 90 days ,, I'M really challenged . Your masters were exemplary good and I love how they were dedicated to make it happen.. Keep winning always . Remember no giving up!!!
I'm a former taekwondo instructor and have had my black belt for 10 years; I haven't practiced in years since I stepped away from taekwondo, but it will always be a part of who I am. Michelle, thank you for representing our sport so well. The dedication and respect you've shown throughout your journey truly embody the true spirit of taekwondo. AMAZING JOB!💗
I was literally JUST rewatching the Black Widow video where she couldn't master the kip up. Now it's not even a speed bump on her path. Michelle is so inspiring.
Hey Michelle,
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything that you do. Your videos are a special place for me on youtube where I can always come to find that inspiration that I need, whatever it might be for me in that moment, and most importantly - I really appreciate the journey that you show along the way. You've taught me that the only thing stopping me from starting something that I know I want to do is me, and that a small step either forward or backward is so much better and more rewarding than no step at all.
Over the last six months I have:
- Taught myself how to constantly re-evaluate my goals, helping me to get on top of years of substance abuse, and am on my way to sobriety
- Overcome my fear of needing to control and plan everything by booking tickets to a music festival halfway around the world before I even had flights booked. Both this festival and travel have been on my bucket list for over 10 years and I finally did it!
- Started balancing work and rest much better (yin and yang!), going from fortnightly burnout to consistent and sustainable productivity
- Started my first steps towards exercising again for the first time since high school. It's been almost 7 years but while the best time to start something is yesterday, the second best time is today.
- Continued learning French from high school and picked up learning Japanese and Spanish. Currently going almost 100 days strong with no plans on stopping soon.
All of these started with small steps and there's been a lot of setbacks and failures along the way, but I wouldn't have dreamed six months ago that I would be kicking these goals like I am now - much love from Australia
Wow I found your channel randomly a few years back, and have checked in here and there cuz the vids are so amazing and inspiring to watch!
This popped up today and WOW! I am in my 7th year in a martial art mixed of Tang Soo Doo and Kenpo, i just made 2nd degree black belt. For any rank of black you have to go through 6 months of rigorous testing, and then once they decide your ready/one random day you get the “green light” to go. You then have 30 days to put together your presentation/test of everything you’ve learned physically and mentally. This took me right back to those months of testing! I There were days I didn’t succeed, and wanted to give up, but if I had I would not be here saying this. I was surprised with a 3 board crab step side kick break at my 1st degree test. After 2 attempts/failing, I felt defeated. But that last time something just clicked inside me and I hit those boards with everything I had. I used all my power, yet it was also almost effortless. And I broke all 3 boards.
It just rly goes to show when you remove that fear, and focus on the moment/task in front of you and give your all to it, that’s when results happen. So don’t give up Michelle! Go get that black belt!!!
I am a white belt in Taekwondo. I started just a few weeks ago and I love it, seeing you achieve the red belt so quickly, seeing the hard work you put in, seeing you do the mistakes in the beginning, I am currently doing has inspired me a lot. I fell in love with this Martial Art the first day I went on a trial practice session and my love for it keeps growing and watching this has given me a lot of inspiration and insight. I am going to try harder and become better at what I love. Your essay in the black belt exam in the end moved me to tears and I mean this literally, I have shed a tear or two and I sincerely thank you for that. I hope one day I reach the point where I can say, I am a Martial Artist.
I am a black belt in taekwondo and You can do it it takes a lot of effort but as long as you focus and take the time to develop the skills and techniques you can do it
Good luck
@@Edynglass thank you so much
@@DanKlarman thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement. I'm going to try my best
@@ryxga6392 You're welcome
I hope you continue and keep going for a black belt! You come so far it's crazy what you did in 90 days.
This is the woman so determined that she has 200 or 300 videos of learning. She has so many skills.
I loved seeing someone so dedicated like I am to taekwondo. I started at 10 then quit but came back at 21. I got my black belt back in May of 2024 and I tore my ACL doing my last board break (broke the board but still). I'm not going to let it stop me from going further and being only 6 months post op, I've got new motivation to keep me going now. Much like how the brick break is an obstacle to overcome, a flying side kick will be mine.
Michelle, hoping you read this comment.
The emotional journey that this story took me on was amazing. The art form of martial arts is an amazing story in itself. I have been wanting to achieve this myself throughout my life as well.
I've been in 3 styles of karate and not quite gotten there. Your story has literally brought me to tears several times. Not tears of sorrow or pain but tears of the emotional journey of dedication and achievement.
This is by far your best story to date. The Masters, Black Belts & Students throughout all are inspiring to watch and listen to.
Thank you for giving me & all of us a look into your amazing journey & story.
Bret Gash
I, as a 13-year-old who is a 2nd-degree black belt, have huge respect for you. I saw how much this video meant to you. Not just for a video but as a self-reflection on your learning. I spent over 4 to 5 years getting my first-degree black belt. I got it over the pandemic when I was in 4th grade to be specific. But now, 2 years ago in March, I did my second. What Motivation do I see in you, the troubles you had on this challenge. It made me reflect on what I did over the years on what accomplished. Ofc my place we don't break bricks🥲, the just gave us really THICK wooden boards. But me now reflecting on HOW I broke the board is now what I think of. Many people I seen broke it. Most of us, with fear of failing, and people, who just wants to show off what they succeeded. I just felt how I was able to get this far, with all of my trouble and pain. Thank you Michelle for making me think again and again about things, life, working so hard to achieve. You are truly a hero at heart ❤❤❤❤
You speak so beautifully, amazing you are 13!
I stopped cause of Covid but I’m hoping to get back to it soon. I’m red belt and been doing it since I was 13 I’m turning 19 soon
Open on my phone and see video time. I'm going to have to watch this on my big TV like it's a full on documentary lol
:)
I was at 8:00 before I decided to switch to the tv. It was just too small, even on a giant phone. 🤷🏻♂️
I was sitting on my couch with my hand over my mouth, barely breathing due most of the final test! It legit felt like a movie but even better because it was real and so heartfelt 😆
the most authentic youtuber ive come across in a long time. you are teaching powerful lessons, appreciating and exposing beautiful cultures, and encouraging people to take on challenges. i am in awe. keep up the amazing work ❤❤❤
Absolutely incredible dedication to do this! Congrats!
Hello, I’m at Tae Kwon Do student of 11 years and an instructor as well, albeit of a slightly different style and I most teach children. I’m impressed by how much you were able to learn and to master. That is not something I could dream to see from many of my students. I hope you are able to earn your black belt soon, but it takes time. I took 2 years and 9 months to earn mine, which was record speed for my studio but nothing compared to what you were trying to do. Keep going, keep training! I hope you find the joy in both forms and sparring, the twin pillars of high level Tae Kwon Do. I’m glad people who haven’t tried TKD can watch you video for inspiration!
Your drive is getting stronger with every challenge. Production is getting better too. Michelle, this one we need a Part II of! You're going to get that Black Belt and we're gonna cheer you on when you do! What an absolute warrior and inspiration! We believe in you!
Oh my god! Watching you do this while on your period is so wonderfully inspiring. I'm so amazed that you are inspiring young girls to keep getting out there and trying things, even during your period. I love that you didn't cut that part out of the video. I know that, for some girlies, myself included, the cramps and the bleeding can be debilitating. Thank you for being such a queen Michelle. Never stop being your true self!
Michelle: Thank you so much for sharing this video that ends in "failure". You didn't reach your end goal, but I think that made the journey all the more relatable and the message all the more powerful. I struggle with the idea that people won't like me if I'm not perfect in front of them. I could be wrong, but I sense that we are alike in that way. Thank you for having the courage to post this video. I've subscribed to your channel for many years now and I've really enjoyed watching your self-confidence grow over this time. You are such a lovely person and you deserve all the respect you've earned from people from all walks of life.
By the way, coincidentally, I started Taekwondo this September and passed my first belt test just this past Thursday! I chose to take lessons because I really respected the discipline involved in this sport. I also wanted to get back into training regularly, after taking a six-year break from competitive sport. Thank you for talking about the importance of a balanced mindset. I truly believe that was the key to your success. Congratulations to you and your team on such a great video - and I hope your Taekwondo journey continues to bring positivity into your life!
(Also, thank you for posting the part about starting your period at training. It's really important to normalize this - because it has probably happened to most women and girls at least once, yet we don't talk about it!)
Though I do hope she takes a retest in the future to try again for the belt in a future video
I love how dedicated Michelle is because making a video ,1 HOUR long is some tough stuff
This is the best TH-cam video I have ever watched. I am sitting here in tears right now. Much respect. You are such a inspiration.
Michelle, ur videos are awesome. But personally for me, this is the best one yet. I'm honestly challenged by ur crazy determination. I'm really not an emotional person but this challenge really moved me. It changed the way I view the art and I respect it more than I used to. U're really changing and challenging the minds and hearts of people more than u realize. Keep up the great work.
This was by far the best one! Would love to even see a series on you continuing your journey through taekwondo on achieving your black belt and beyond! This was amazing
☝️
I would like to see her try other martial arts like karate, judo or even thaiboxing.
Michelle and Kara & Nate are the two TH-camrs that deserve a tv show. I would love to see them have their own show on Netflix, more people need to see these❤
So very true
I can't stop crying the entire episode even when I'm laughing. I have so much respect for Michelle, you are inspiring! Love you girl!
i thought i was the only one!!🥹
broo in the last part i was sobbing
I watched this woth my 5 year old who currently has the blue belt and i can tell you you really lit a spark in his little soul .. you are amazing
Your movements after 90 days look absolutely stunning. I can’t imagine how you must feel watching the footage and seeing your hard work pay off
No its these kinda videos that make me cry honestly. Someones genuine effort and a group of people coming together to share their knowledge. You did amazing and i hope you continue your taekwondo and update us if you do!
So this made me cry. I used to do horse back riding a few months ago. I was starting to get better and better at jumping. It taught me so many things. I even got to be in competition in a short amount of time. But one day I slipped my foot in a jump and I fell off the horse. Breaking my arm in shambles and fracturing my wrist. I passed a 4+ hour surgery to get bones out and metals in. After that, it's never been the same. I don't have the same mobility on my arm now. Even if I can use it now. It cracks a lot every time I move it. I lost all hope on going back to the sport I love. But with this video. You seriously inspired me at my recovery, hoping that one day, I can come back stronger than ever before. Thank you Michelle
That was such a good documentary on martial arts! I have black belts from numerous systems and did not think you could do it in 90 days, but I was wrong. Everything that was demonstrated in the last exam, as one of the examiners pointed out, was black belt quality. It is only the technicality of the brick break that is holding you back. You NEED to fulfill this and break that brick. Failure is not an option, and you only fail when you quit. There needs to be a follow-up video demonstrating your success and you officially earning your title and rank of 1st Dan. You owe it not only to the entire team that was helping you along the way, but more importantly, you owe it to yourself.
I hope you do more content related to this in the future, and if you are ever in the Midwest, I would be happy to teach you the system that we teach. You need to break that brick first though!
watching this made me very emotional. i did this sport when i was very young. it changed my life. i never made it to black belt cause my mom didn’t feel comfortable with me learning how to fight others. ironic cause i need to know how to do self defense as a 23 year old women. it’s incredible seeing others cherishing this sport and making it come to life. from the bottom of my heart, thank you. you’re amazing and so incredibly strong. your passion shows and it’s incredibly inspiring 🩷
This video really resonates with me. I've practiced taekwondo for several years and finally earned my black belt. My master was part of the personal security team for the Korean president, so I was fortunate to train at such a prestigious dojo. One interesting detail is that our black belt testing lasted 10 hours, the longest in my entire state! It was a tremendous amount of hard work, and what many people don’t realize is how mentally taxing it can be.
I eventually quit, not due to pressure, but because I lost the joy in it. Training every day as if your life depended on it was the norm! I won’t even get into the harsh competitive spirit, especially as a woman, where one bad day can really take a toll.
I admire Michelle for putting herself through all of this in just 90 days-it's truly impressive! I’ve learned that no student finds taekwondo "easy" throughout their journey, and everyone faces challenges in earning their black belt, regardless of age, strength, or mental health. Personally, I’m not sure if I could return to it, but I’m grateful for the lessons I learned and glad others get to experience those same feelings.
The most enjoyable part of this video is how Michelle advances in her movement over time. It is not perfect, but the change is remarkably visible in this format. Beautiful.
this really inspired me so much and i hope you go back to get your black belt, you've tried so hard for this
Thank you for doing this Michelle, because I’m a black belt in taekwondo and everyone who doesn’t do it says “oh it’s so easy” but there’s so much more to it much more stress much more sacrifices but at the end of it I feel good I started at the age of 7 but I’m 11 now thanks for inspiring me to do more! ❤
It turns out that saying (or even believing!) that "things are easy" is, in fact, the easiest thing.
@@DanKaschelexactly
michelle this was like a movie!! u and ur team are truly next level
Hiiii❤❤
I just finished watching this and it was absolutely incredible. Your spirit and strength translated beautifully through the quality and cinematography.
I found myself crying at the end. This message felt more powerful than the alternative.
I can’t wait to see what other challenges you take on with this longer storytelling format!
This is genuinely the best thing I've watched since a while i didn't even realize it's more than an hour..i used to do karate as a kid than stopped at my own choice that i thought i needed to focus on my studies even tho it didn't really distracted me and I've never in my life regret anything i did before as quiting karate..last year i thought abt reentering material art and for some reason non were open for registration..lott had happened this year many sad things my mom passing away who supported my choice to go back it's my worst year ever however watching ur video i don't even know u but watching that vid give me the biggest inspiration and I'm so thankful for u as a girl myself..i will try my best to join material art very soon I'll renovate my energy and make this sadness my pushing power inchlh..thank u so much for such an inspiring vid and tryings it made me realize once again that I'm still capable of doing so much more that i can use my body now and move it how i want,it just light up that spark that i thought turned to ashes cuz of all what happened to me..keep going even tho i don't know u i hope u know that u inspire me as girl as human and someone who tries and never give up💗
I'll make sure to update here inchlh abt how it goes once i enroll and start🫂so i can see my own progress and how things could change even for someone like me who's still young but feels very old from the inside as life burnt me up.
I liked the editing in this. I also appreciate how serious Michelle takes the challenges. Kind of cool to see the lesson that getting a black belt isn't just a trophy achievement, that it is about mastering the art.
I trained in Tang Soo Do (the brother art of Taekwondo) for around seven years and made it almost to second degree black belt before stopping my training due to outside circumstances. Watching this video, hearing the familiar terminology, and seeing all of the techniques I miss doing is inspiring me to want to go back to training, so thank you Michelle! Learning martial arts is an incredible task to undertake, especially in such a short time, but the lessons that you learn on the mat are carried with you for the rest of your life, and those lessons go beyond mere self defense.
Love the production quality in this full length feature. Taking on this challenge is probably one of the hardest yet, just from the dedication alone. As I was watching you fight an Olympian, the ferocity of her attacks would be incredibly intimidating. I hope you keep up the training... you deserve the black belt.
Why did I cry when Michelle got her red belt?! 🥹😭 how inspiring!! Truly. This all from beginning to end is amazing. Learning more about yourself and strengthening yourself within each belt 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙏🏼
the master dying laughing at michelle's "KIHAH" is absolute gold lmao
I absolutely appreciate and respect that you chose Taekwondo as a challenge accepted for your video! And this is coming from a Korean-American who is a long fan of yours! Thank you for doing this Korean sport!
this made me emotional, i could see the focus in your face. How hard you worked. You're truly inspiring and I enjoy watching you doing these challenges
Michelle, I have been watching you since Buzzfeed. I started following specifically you when you trained for a marathon in 10 weeks. This is by far your best video on multiple levels. The story telling, the camera work, editing, music, interviews, your attitude and confessionals... So many years have passed and I can't believe how you still find ways to challenge yourself and bring us so much inspiration.
I've been trying to qualify for the boston marathon for many years now but have fallen short for various reasons. Seeing you, what you overcome, in every video, helps keep me going. In particular, your exploration of embracing more Yin. While watching, I realized I need some of that. Thank you for all you do.
Admiration from Mexico.