By Bill Mischke, Owner of Flower Mound Taekwondo
Parenting ∙ Youth Sports ∙ Kids Martial Arts ∙ Teen Martial Arts ∙ Martial Arts Classes
College admissions are more competitive than ever. While academics and test scores matter, admissions officers are now seeking well-rounded students—individuals who show grit, discipline, leadership, and passion. One unique and powerful way to stand out from the crowd? Earning a black belt in martial arts.
At Flower Mound Taekwondo, we’ve seen how the black belt journey shapes students into strong, capable young adults. What many parents don’t realize is just how valuable that journey can be when it’s time to apply to college.
What College Admissions Officers Are Saying
“My immediate reaction is excitement, because we know how dedicated you have to be to become a black belt. Dedication to activities is one of the main things we look at when reviewing extracurricular involvement.”
— Matt Middleton, Associate Director of Admissions, The College of New Jersey
“Martial arts training is both an excellent physical activity and can improve academic performance.”
— Stephanie Bertagnole, Admissions Officer & Freshman Advisor, UC Berkeley
“It also shows dedication, perseverance, and (in many cases) a willingness to go outside your comfort zone.”
— Matt Middleton, TCNJ
These quotes make one thing clear: earning a black belt isn’t just an activity—it’s an achievement that signals to colleges that your child is committed, resilient, and ready for higher education.
What a Black Belt Really Tells Colleges
Becoming a black belt takes years of hard work, focus, and determination. Students must learn to:
- Set and achieve long-term goals
- Manage time effectively between school, training, and other activities
- Build leadership skills through mentoring and assisting in classes
- Persevere through setbacks and physical challenges
- Demonstrate humility, integrity, and respect
This type of personal development is rare—and it stands out when college admissions teams evaluate thousands of applicants.
How to Showcase Martial Arts on Applications
Students should tell their story in college essays or personal statements. Instead of simply listing “martial arts” as an activity, they should describe:
- What inspired them to start
- The challenges they overcame
- What earning a black belt meant to them
- How they grew as a leader, teammate, and student
Admissions officers love to see reflection and growth—and the martial arts journey is rich with both.
Start Early, Build for the Future
At Flower Mound Taekwondo, our students train to become black belts in martial arts and in life. Whether your child is just starting or already progressing through the ranks, their training is building the confidence and discipline that colleges—and employers—truly value.
If you want to give your child an edge in life and on their college application, martial arts may be one of the smartest investments you’ll ever make.
Ready to Begin?
📞 Call us today at 972-355-0844
🌐 Visit us at WinWithKarate.com
📍 2240 Morriss Rd, Flower Mound, Texas
Help your child kick-start their future—one belt at a time.
