‘Twas the Night Before Belt Testing
'Twas the night before Team Chip's Belt Testing day, and all through the town, belts were all hung on their uniforms with care, in hopes that new colors would soon be hanging there.
The students were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of broken boards danced in their heads. I in my uniform and assistant in hers too, had just settled down to sort the new belts.
When out on the mat, there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my seat to see what was the matter. Away to the window, I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon shone bright, casting a glow so serene, giving luster to the mats like a magical scene. When what to my wondering eyes did appear, but a group of black belts, with skills so austere.
With a confident leader, skilled and respected, I knew in a moment it must be Instructor, his skills long tested. More rapid than eagles, his fighters they came, And he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
"Now, Jackie! Now, Mike! Now, Lisa and Sam! On, Emily! On, Jake! On, Sarah and Pam! To the top of the mat! To the front of the class! Now dash away, dash away, with speed that will surpass!"
So up to the gym's rafters, the students they flew, with uniforms pressed, ready to show what they knew.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the floor, The sound of each kick and each punch, they did truly soar. As I drew in my head and was turning around, through the door, Instructor came with a leap and a bound.
He was dressed in his uniform, from head to his toe, and his belt was adorned with a yellow stripe that glowed. A bundle of wisdom he had in his mind, with techniques and discipline, he left no detail behind.
His eyes, how they twinkled! His stance, how pristine! His kicks were precise, his punches so keen! His hands were steady, his feet light and quick, as he moved through the ranks, executing each kick.
He had a broad smile and a heart full of strength, inspiring his students, all down the floor’s length. He spoke words of encouragement, eyes filled with pride, as they reached new levels, working side by side.
The students all trained with great determination, striving for perfection, overcoming their frustration. And I heard Instructor exclaim as he ended the night, "Happy Belt Testing to all, and to all a good night!"