Here’s my children’s book I wrote! senseiseth.com/products/the-boxing-gloves-hardcover-childrens-book-by-sensei-seth

This is literally my reaction every time I pass any large exam or test, they might have passed me, but I sure didnt. You just always feel like you know and are able of so much more, and not being able to show it just sucks, even if what you did was "enough".

If Seth ever said as a kid "my dad can beat up your dad" he was probably right.

It's really inspiring to see you take pride in what really matters to you. It was apparent throughout the entire video that this was something that meant more than the usual video. Congratulations, Seth on the new level of mastery 🎉🎉🎉

Imposter syndrome is powerful. I got to purple belt in BJJ, had to quit for a few years, then to switch to a new school in a new city and I felt OUTCLASSED by the monsters that were in that new school. The bravery it takes to accept you aren't where you thought you were, but to keep pressing on is commendable. Sometimes you just need to keep pressing forward. Good luck to everyone out there on your own journey.

You tend to be hard on yourself, the fact that you understand that the title of master isn't to be taken lightly as well as knowing it is a continuous journey means a lot. Congrats man

When your Sensei says you are ready…. Then you are ready. Students always the last to know if they are ready. 4th Dan only signifies Teacher. A true Sensei. Good job.

Thanks Seth, your Dad reminded me of when I was training for my black belt test and I kicked a 2nd degree black belt in the throat, that really amped up the sparring match!

This was one of the more close-to-home videos you've made and it's absolutely brilliant. Great job and congratulations. Always keep the white-belt-mindset and see yourself as a beginner. Learning comes much easier then. If, at some stage, you end up doing grading for your purple belt in BJJ, you should share that experience. I think it's one of the more eye-opening things when it comes to belts and martial arts.

I just got 3rd, and this video perfectly reflected my feelings and mental space in the 2 months leading up to the test. The mental and physical exhaustion of preparing, the self doubt. The forms, self defense, 1-steps, demonstrating all the crazy kicks and strikes, and almost throwing up in my last round of sparring. Mentally beating myself up over the little mistakes made because of nerves. Though relieved once the judges announced we passed, I still felt I could've and should've done better. I think it's natural for martial artists to be their own worst critic. We must never stop striving for perfection. It's how we grow. Before the test, I was the best 2nd degree I'd ever be, and after, I became the worst 3rd degree I'd ever be. Worst 3rd me could comfortably look back on worst 2nd me and go "Pft, amateur. I could teach that guy a thing or two". That's what's most important.

Well deserved, Sensei seth! Thanks for being such an inspiration. Now you need a mountain and some long flowy clothes (and also maybe grow out your beard and speak in haikus)

"You are your own worst critic" This applies so much to this. It is so true, even if you passed you feel like you didn't do your best. Either way you earned it! I'm working on getting my belt in tang soo do currently! It'll be a long journey but worth it!

I needed this so bad. I'm testing for my black belt in November. This is motivating in all the right ways.

I can't tell you how many times I've watched this video! Aside from the congratulations you've earned for your 4th-degree black belt, you keeping it real throughout the whole process makes it that much more appealing and satisfying. It also inspires me to make sure that, whether I test or otherwise, I stay on top of my game, as an instructor. Your dad put it best (paraphrasing): "I can tell when someone's undergoing stress and when someone doesn't know." Or, as others put in the comments, "Your instructor will always know before you if you're ready for your next rank."

Man, the pictures of you as a kid while taking your exam, it brought tears to my eyes... i still don't know why. Great video man!

In Karate we "Seek perfection of character," we strive for perfection, but we never quite get there. That's what keeps us going. Great job, Seth- Sensei🙂

Seth as someone who’s trained all the way up to 3rd degree, started training early in life, and knows the stresses of these kinda tests, I gotta say you looked better than ever and definitely earned every marking on that belt, keep it up!

S. Adams? I'm sure you mean Mr. Adam Kempo 😂

Honestly with how much you’ve learned, it’s impressive how much of your base you remember and keep distinct. I could easily see getting mixed up, with how much you practice other styles.

God damn your karate has never looked so clean. The point about being forced to study and elevate yourself to the next level was demonstrated pretty clearly.

Congrats Seth!! It’s a been a honor to follow through your journey!!! I want to share a piece of wisdom my Sensei told me. “When you first get your belt you may feel like you don’t deserve or didn’t earn it but living up to it is the test!”

SETH! The you that you show on your channel embodies the idea of "master" of martial arts, you share knowledge, you constantly gain knowledge, you are accepting of all, you are humble when learning from others, and you have a lifetime love of the art. In my eyes and the eyes of so many who watch your channel, you have been a "master" since day one. Thank you, and keep doing what you do!

Love seeing schools that actually spar and spar hard. Congratulations on this promotion. Definitely deserved!

God bless, man! Congratulations on receiving such a monumental achievement as a culmination of all your hard work and a testament to your passion and determination! You deserve it!

I love gradings! Have my 4th coming up in November. I think any martial artist that is passionate about their art is going to over critique themselves. I'm sure you did much better than you think in your head. It's interesting because I have a very similar family dynamic with martial arts it seems. Such an amazing experience to be trained and tested by your dad! Congratulations on your accomplishment. 😊

"When the student becomes the master, let them bear the legacy of their teacher with unwavering faith, for in that sacred trust, they find their own mastery." Seth, you're a true inspiration and your journey is incredible. Continue to trust in yourself. All that time, hard work, and dedication is worth it! Thanks for sharing 🖤

Osu Sensei! What a stunning and moving homage to your heritage, your journey, to your family, to your grit and gumption. I genuinely cried a bit. A fantastic way to honour your father and the life you have shared together. Beautiful and wonderful. Congratulations on getting published. All the best to you and your family.

Thank you for being a huge inspiration for me getting into karate Seth. Thanks to you and some of Jesse Enkamp, Karate is a big part of my life now. I enjoy kata and doing slow kumite so we can just have fun. Its an honor to have an awesome Southern karate teacher. Thank you. OSU!

"It didn't feel great, I passed" is EXACTLY how I felt after I got my black belt. I remember every single thing I did wrong. It's 2 years later and it still haunts me.

Honestly this is an amazing video and I appreciate how you perfectly illustrated the conflicts and concerns that happen in the minds of those who go through this. It’s not only a martial arts thing, but this kind of mentality is only unique to those who push themselves to be better. I envy your struggle and hope to go through it again one day and even possibly the one putting others through it. :)

Congrats on the fourth degree, Sensei Seth. I remember my time in TaeKwonDo, every test was a bundle of nerves. Not even sure how I got to Blue belt, especially considering how young I was, but I can say you put in the work and your fourth degree is well deserved!

Man I fuc*ing love this channel!! The storytelling, the editing, the lessons, the jokes, the soundtrack, everything's on point, congrats for all that and for your test, we love you Seth!

Congratulations, Seth! It is inspiring to follow your journey through so many different martial arts, always curious, always eager to learn and to test them, adding what works to your repertoire. I’m sure you very much deserved that Master Belt!

Real. That what I was thinking as I was watching this. Sensei Seth, you gave a very real and honest look at your martial journey here. Thank you for sharing this with us all. Congratulations on your achievement. And thank you for being humble enough to let us know that we still have more to go.

Bro, we are always the hardest judge of ourselves!!! You definitely earned it, through all the hard work and grind to get there. I am not personally a karate enthusiast, with judo being my martial art, but your videos are really inspiring and fun to watch. Love the content!!! Maybe I will have to turn to karate one day.

Congratulations my friend!!!!!! That is one hell of an achievement!! As a 3rd degree it was great to see someone share similar perspectives on their martial arts journey in regards to a blackbelt testing and it was really cool to see the similarities and differences in the way our testings go! The gauntlet is no joke!!!

God this hits home, every moment, and emotion shown I’m able to relate to, and it really shows how much you push yourself to be better. Awesome job and congrats!

OSS! Congrats man. Amazing piece of self-documentation and you’ve inspired me to start a karate journey 20 years since I last studied kempo as a kid.

Congrats about the children book. Such a personal accomplishment feels so good. The book looks nice with all those colorful drawings. This is very sweet, and it is the kind of thing that survives after we are passed away. I am working on a martial art book myself, and I can't wait to hold that first copy in my hands.

Congrats Seth, you earned it. You never stop learning and it's a big inspiration

Congratulations Seth! What I love about your content is that it just feels like a mate of mine to telling me about his training and so it feels great to see you succeed. It has really helped me with getting back into my own training after a over a year off. You are an inspiration mate and honestly, this makes me want to try Karate

A lot of people have that feeling of not enough, the most important thing is your dad thinks you’re enough and that’s pretty awesome! Also congrats you looked amazing out there.

Congratulations! This was a very good documentary video. As a fellow instructor, not Karate mind you, I think you perfectly captured something we really only talk about with our friends, and that's the self doubt we have. We KNOW we know things, we KNOW that's why we do what we do, and are dedicated to it, and only upon later reflection do we get to see that, yeah, we got this. Good job sir!

Congrats man! You are an inspiration to others! The fact that you had thought you didn't do well on parts of it and that you felt that you could do better only shows how much it is deserved.

Congratulations Seth! You definitely earned this. Your passion and humbleness really shines in every video.

Congrats SENSEI Seth, you deserve it! Good luck on your martial journey and thanks for inspiring us all. How about you join a Karate tournament and prove your the best in your art!

Oh my gosh. This was so wonderful to watch!! Thank you for sharing this incredibly special moment with us. I started my karate training on the 11th of this month and as a very new white belt this was both unbelievably inspiring and absolutely terrifying 😂 We're all super proud of and happy for you. Congratulations, Master Seth.

Congratulations on your promotion Seth~ and thanks for sharing how it can feel disappointing even after getting the positive result, because it is easy to be self-critical and feel like the journey didn't show itself during the exam. I have had that exact feeling before and it was nice to relate to that.

Oh, the feels and the memories of going through this angsty, stressful kind of event, but what a HUGE relief when you get to the other side of it. Super awesome vid, Seth. Way to go, man.

By the way, it is a myth, the belt system comes from judo.

Cram kata for the test, forget it all a week later... keep the rank.. American Karate.

Congratulations! Keep learning! And enjoy yourself!

Congratuations! loved watching this video and seeing your karate on display!

My father took over my Shotokan school fairly early on in my training, when our head instructor and family friend had to move away. My father ran the school for close to 20 years as a Shodan (first degree). We were pretty isolated and didn't have the ability to go higher. Eventually our head instructor reached out to my father and said it has been long enough, it's time to test for your 2nd degree. After a tough hour of testing it was time for my father (50 something at the time) to go through the sparing gauntlet. He was exhausted but he made it to the last guy. The last guy was me, a 1st blackbelt under both the head instructor and my father. We sparred hard, he was tired and almost done. The head instructor stopped us for a moment and pulled me aside. He said "I need you to turn in it up and go hard" and I said okay. We went at it again. My father was battered and bruised and almost done. I saw the head instructor over my dad's shoulder, he looked me in the eye and nodded. I knew what he meant. I have never seen my father in the state that he was in. Here he was, the man who raised me, a man I love, standing before me almost defeated. I almost couldn't do it, but I did. For he next 2 or 3 min I cranked it up and laid into him. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. As soon as the round was over, I broke down, we had a big hug in the middle of the dojo he was awarded his 2nd degree black belt. Seeing the brown belt in this video going through it, and listening to you talk about your father brought back all these memories. Thank you!

Congratulations Seth! As someone who’s on the precipice of black belt your video really resonated with me and speaks to the experience of students everywhere. We’re in a constant flux between what we know, what we we should know, and what we don’t. Thanks for sharing your journey!

Congratulations man! Been watching your journey for the last few years. It's definitely both a humbling and relieving experience when you finish. I tested for my 4th in ITF back in 2012 and was a pool of sweat. Next year my master wants our group to test in Korea so thats going to be doubly nerve racking!

Proud of you my man. Know this means little from a random youtube commenter, but its a huge accomplishment. I got my 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do before following a similar path as you, branching out to other martial arts to fill the void. I didnt return to TKD, but love to see your journey unfold before our eyes. If it means anything, regardless if you struggled on the test, your sparring looks absolutely crisp and lethal. You should be proud of the knowledge, not just of Karate, but a well rounded fighting style you've developed. Keep up the great work, would love to spar with you some day and get my ass kicked.

Congratulations Sensei Seth. Thanks for all the awesome content

Congratulations on the rank and what you learned to get it! I've ordered a copy of your book since I just had a parent ask about martial arts related reading material for kids. Keep up the training!

Congratulations on passing the test, the video was amazing it got me hooked up and even tear up a little bit!!

Thank you Sensei for sharing this. It's a very big deal, a great accomplishment. Awesome work. Please remember you have a positive impact on countless thousands of people with this channel. You inspire people who need it, the kids especially. You're an ambassador for martial arts, and a great example. That's really wonderful, thank you for it.

Congratulations! Well earned. I enjoyed this video more than any other by far. Well done.

Massive grats to you Seth. You're someone not only deserving of the grade. You have spent considerable sweat to absorb merits from all the arts (yes, even TKD). Many blessings on your continued journey. We are thankful you've brought us along - for learnings & laughter.

Hey Seth, congrats on the belt! This video was super inspiring to me too keep pushing for my goals, my bachelors degree and my 5th dan in Taekwondo and 1st dan in Hapkido.

I'm going for my jiu jitsu brown belt in April, and this video both inspires and intimidates me. I don't want to freeze up or underperform, but this reminds me that you know what you train and even nerves don't take that away

dude Congratulations!!! You have helped me out so much with this channel with sparring and not giving up on something when it's difficult like kata. I love watching you succeed and again Congratulations!!! God bless you and your family

Great Job Seth. You are an inspiration. Black belt testing is beyond intense, I just went through my second test for my 2nd degree. I can agree your mind definitely goes blank, thanks for sharing this.

Congratulations Seth, you earned it mate. I have learned so much from you, I felt incredibly invested in your journey. Thank you, Master.

Congratulations Seth! Been watching you for a while and you definitely deserve it! But I know exactly how you feel. I took my master test two years ago and it still doesn’t feel real to me at times!

Congratulations! That's very impressive! Glad the hard work payed off.

Seth, you are truly amazing, and a beacon of light and positivity in the martial arts community. Thank you for everything that you do!

Seth you are a major inspiration to me. Seeing this I was so happy for you. Currently I've been training for about 3 years (Nov 1st) and have watch you for a long time of it.

Congratulations! That's a great accomplishment. The journey isn't over yet! It never ends! Keep working hard and most of all, having fun! 🥋⛩️

Just want to say that, Seth you have be a big inspiration in the past two years. And having you post this could not be more perfect. I tested for my first degree last monday ( No where near as tough as those two brown belts had it ) But the way that you put the test in to words is a perfect summary. Thank you Master Seth for the inspiration.

Loved this video so much, looks like an amazing dojo with good people and a very high standard and quality. Props to you MASTER Seth, don't be too hard on yourself. Congrats! 👏🥋🥊

Been watching your channel for a few years now, bro! Very proud of your hard work and accomplishment! You did great. The only reason your mistakes bother you is because you examine them to learn from them, which is the sure sign of someone who has the capacity to be a "master".

I'm about to test for my black belt and your mention of "I've been tired before" and zoning in on what you have to do despite everything you're feeling is something that resonated with me and something I'll keep in my heart when I do take my test, Congratulations Sensei Seth and thank you

Congratulations! Just know that you and Jessie inspired me to take up karate! Keep up the inspiring work that you do!

Congrats! That was a very impressive test and a great effort put in by all! When you earn a black belt it takes time after the test to become seasoned into an actual black belt, especially mentally. It's really a license to become a black belt and begin your journey. When you earn a master rank, it's a license to work toward mastering the art. The journey never ends. Congrats again! Well deserved!

Congratulations, Seth! From what I’ve seen on your channel and in this video, I’d say the promotion is well deserved. The “Master” thing is definitely hard to get used to. Ultimately, it’s the title that accompanies the rank. There’s always more to learn and perfect, even as we pass on our knowledge to the next generation. Perhaps true mastery is the realization that the journey of learning never truly ends. Congratulations again.

this video helped me a bit with my own feelings of inadequacy. i’m being promoted to a blue belt in judo and my coaches have been very sure of this decision where i have not been. i had feeling like it’s too soon or i know that there’s so much more to learn and master that i haven’t yet. it was effecting my practices BUT at the end of the day me as a person and fighter had developed i realized how overly critical i was being to myself. great video seth congrats

I like you're fun videos where you goof around a lot. But I love this serious video, where you sincerly care for the task in front of you. You've trained for this you're entire life and you've earned this belt and title! You can be proud of yourself! All the best from Germany.

I'm glad you made the plunge. Having your father be the tester is quite a test for you. Being a Godan in Judo as well as Black Belt ranking in Kodenkan JuJitsu and Kenpo I feel your pain. I'm older and no longer train much as I damaged my body pretty much in major old school judo tournaments and police work (we never think it will catch up with us). We all think we are invincible and can run our bodies at 110 percent without realizing the damage we do to ourselves in the long run. Anyway, the story you told regarding the belt colors. In judo we used to hear that we started out with a white belt and as the training proceeded, the belt just kept getting "dirtier" through the years until it turned black. The full circle is that when the belt wore out, it returned to white. Go figure. I enjoy your videos. Back in my tournament days, the rules for judo were much different and only black belts could use armbars. They have made the art "safer" in competition now to try and avoid injury and make it more spectator friendly. I'm not sure I agree with this thinking because, after all, it is a "Combat Sport". Oh well, keep up the good work.

Congratulations Sensei Seth!! You worked hard for it and totally deserve it, you rock!! ❤

Easily one of your best videos ever. I have sons, so this was especially great to see. It must be so amazing for your father to have had you follow on a path parallel to his own. I'm so sure that it takes all he has to contain himself when he sees you doing so well in your field. /deep bow

Thank you Sir for sharing this process with us. Very cool to see you accomplish Mastership. Well deserved. 👊🏼🥋👏👏👏

Congratulations, Sensei Seth! I've recently started karate last year, and watching your videos is inspiring. I love on this video that you are humble & not content with your martial arts journey despite achieving master status. Oss. 🙇🏻‍♂️

Congratulations mate. It's easy to feel anxious when you feel all eyes on you. It makes me stumble or forget things I know by heart too.

This is awesome! In September, I graduated to my black belt in Ishi-Ryoku-Jutsu (Japanese Jiujutsu) after 13 years. So much of what you show in this video either shows or describes a lot of the exact same feelings I had on that day, and especially the bit towards the end talking about being hard on yourself, feeling like you didn't deserve to pass, reminds me a lot of my brown belt. For all the silly videos, I feel this one is really special, and I for one appreciate it. And of course, congratulations on this momentous achievement Seth.

Congratulations Master Seth, well earned, gradings terrified me and mine were basic low level stuff compared to what you had to do. So much stuff to learn and that sparring looked hard. Well done and thanks for putting this out there.

First thanks for sharing this awesome moment! This is a great achievement that you def deserved. Everytime I do a big test myself I feel the exact same. Even if I crush it! Congratulations dude.!!

You did awesome Seth, well deserved, great work

Congratulations on passing, what you felt after is natural, when you're so passionate about something but don't feel like you did your best when it counts just proves that you deserved that belt even more, but this video did give me made anxiety, I've been doing karate 19 years and am a 3rd degree black belt and this gave me anxiety about going for my 4th lol

Congrats, Sensei!!! I hear you on feeling like you did less than you could have, I certainly have had tests that I walked away from with the same feeling. But as your dad was saying, he knew that you had the capability to be master, all he needed was for you to show it, and you did. Even with feeling like the bunkai was rushed, you were still able to share more than I certainly could. XD At the end of the day, you earned your place. And if you still feel pretty "ugh" about your rough spots, simply take that as a challenge, and keep learning. We, as martial artist especially, will always have lots and lots more to learn!

Congradulations! From one martial artist to another 🙏 🤜🤛 The relflections post-test are even harder than the test

This is the best video from you in terms of Karate, video making,story telling. Congratulations Master Seth!

Thank you for humbly sharing your journey, sir. It is incredible to see. And an invitation to growth and challenge that I need to sit on.

Congrats 👏🎉 you have done lots of training, you also get out of your comfort zone, i feel you earned it.

Ourstanding! Congratulations, Seth! I love the humble attitude, afterwards.

I took my 3rd dan exam a few months ago and i know that feeling of don't remember anything since you start performing until you finish. You just go in a full state of concentration and your body moves without having to think what you need to do. That's the result of hard training. Really good video, and congratulations for your new belt!