A rite of passage comes to mind when I think of the journey undertaken in Mexico from this Wednesday through Sunday for my son. About 5 years ago, his mother, got Kyler involved in Taekwondo with a West Dallas unit called Excellencia Marcial de Dallas. Remarkably, he enjoyed it and kept with it. He participated in tournaments across the country and methodically made advancements. His grandparents, parents, sister and host of family and friends have cheered him along the way. Master Palonco, his instructor, has been a mentor and friend. Now what makes the journey all the more interesting is that his group falls under Excellencia Marcial de Mexico. The leader of this group is Grand Master Santiago of Coatepec, Mexico. Grand Master Santiago was an excellent host and treated myself and Kyler like royalty. From what I understand only a grand master can can ordain a black belt. Kyler was a red belt black stripe for a long period of time, he was a little frustrated because he wanted to advance but understood he had to wait and that he would have to go to Coatepec; Mexico to earn the belt. Part of a rite of passage is going through a journey that tests you and presents obstacles along the way that you must overcome. Kyler’s obstacles were time (patience is a tough thing to learn for a teenage boy), language barrier (most of the time, and especially in Mexico, almost everything was in Spanish) and the concept of going to another country to obtain his black belt. There are moments of loneliness along the journey, and I could see Kyler facing that fact many times, but especially this weekend. Even with all the support and love, I can tell he realized that he is the one in the ring and ultimately he has to want it and follow through. Well Kyler, with his gentle nature, made it through this rite of passage and has made his family and friends proud. He understands and we understand that this is just the beginning. He has learned a lot along the way and we, too, have learned from him. (at Veracruz, Xalapa-Enríquez) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5A76rzluBp/?igshid=zlosksen6oo1