Watching my husband earn his third-degree black belt in Krav Maga has been one of the most inspiring journeys I’ve witnessed. It wasn’t just about mastering self-defense techniques – it was about deep personal growth, perseverance, and embodying values that stretch far beyond the mat. As his partner, I’ve seen how much this achievement has shaped him, not just as a martial artist, but as a man, a husband, a father and a leader. I am so impressed with Seth, and I wanted to try to tell him. Here are some of the most meaningful lessons I have observed that he has learned along the way.
Discipline Is a Daily Practice
It’s not just about showing up for class – it’s about showing up in life. Earning his third degree black belt required consistency, focus, and commitment every single day. This belt didn’t come from talent alone – it came from relentless consistency. Even on the days he was exhausted, discouraged, or busy, he showed up. He’s taught me that discipline is choosing your purpose over your mood. Seth is a wonderful example to his wife and kids in regards to discipline and consistency.
Growth Happens in the Uncomfortable Moments
The sparring, the tests, the failures – those were the spaces where real growth happened. Krav Maga taught him to lean into discomfort and find strength on the other side. He had to push himself way outside of his comfort zone. We all need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable because that is where real growth happens.
Stay Calm in Chaos
In both training and life, he’s learned to manage stress and stay mentally grounded. That calm, centered energy has transformed how he handles conflict and pressure. This serves him well in his training, at home and at work. If there is a crisis, Seth has shown me that he will handle it with calm strength. In both martial arts and life, staying calm in chaos is essential. He learned to regulate his emotions under pressure – something that makes him a stronger partner, father and leader, too.
You’re Never Done Learning
Failure wasn’t the enemy – it was feedback. Every missed move, every tough critique was an opportunity to grow stronger and smarter. Even after years of training, he knows there’s still more to learn. He approaches every session with humility and curiosity – a reminder that mastery is a lifelong journey. Seth started his Krav Maga journey 25 years ago. He took some time off to help more with our kids when they were little, but he has been back and going consistently for a long time. Master Spoth who trains him has his 8th degree black belt. Seth sees that there is always more to learn and there is always room to grow. This lesson goes far beyond the Krav Maga walls. This is a lesson for life. One of the keys to happiness and fulfillment is to always be learning and growing. Mastery is a mindset, not a destination. Even at the third-degree level, he knows he’s still a student. True mastery is about humility and staying open to learning.
Your Mind is Stronger Than Your Body Thinks
So many moments challenged his limits. Over and over, he’s proven that mental toughness can carry you further than you think you can go. At the end of the five hour test, I got the opportunity to listen to what each and every student had to say about their success. A handful of them talked about the mental strength it takes to train that hard. When you want to give up, your mind allows you the opportunity to push through. The mind muscle is the most important muscle. Mental fortitude trumps physical strength.
Strength is Knowing When to Hold Back
Krav Maga is about control, not just power. He’s learned that true strength means being intentional, knowing when to push forward and when to pause. He’s learned that real strength isn’t in brute force – it’s in restraint, control, and intention.
Protecting Others is a Privilege
At its core, Krav Maga is about defense and protection. My husband carries this into his role at home – he’s our steady protector, not just physically, but emotionally. He makes me feel very safe. I love that he has devoted so much time to learning Krav Maga. It is Seth’s honor to be able to protect his family and others if needed. He was also able to protect himself during a scary airport incident. It’s time for Seth to do some sessions with his family! I told Ella she’s not going away to college without some self defense training.
Community Matters
This journey wasn’t solo. His instructors, training partners, and supporters played a huge role. Just like in family life – having your people matters. His group leaned on each other through this process. At the end of the test one of Seth’s Krav friend’s came up to me to tell me how much Seth got him through their test day. They leaned on each other and bonded through their training and through their test. We aren’t supposed to do life alone. Support makes us stronger and more capable.
Perseverance is the Real Black Belt
Despite every bruise, every setback, along the way – he kept going. His perseverance has been one of the greatest lessons of all. I saw a lot of ice packs along the way to ice his sore muscles. Seth would get back up and go back again. He would be sore and he would go train. He rarely took a day off. He just kept going and it paid off.
Honor the Journey
Every bruise, every test, every new move – it all matters. He’s learned to celebrate the journey along the way and not just the belt. He’s become a role model not just on the mat, but at home too.
In the Fall of 2024, Seth was eligible to join their Friday night boot camp sessions to become eligible to take his third degree black belt test in November. Due to Max’s football schedule, Seth decided to pause this. He knew he didn’t want to miss his son’s last football season. He didn’t want to miss half the games because he was at boot camp. He decided to wait until the next round and be a present father. He goes after his goals and he’s also able to have balance too. He put his goal to the side for a few months to be there for his son. He was ready to rock this spring and attend boot camp and take his third degree black belt test. I appreciate how Seth manages the see saw of life. Focus on football and now focus on his training.
I have been present to watch Seth’s black belt tests. The difference between Seth taking his first degree test and his third degree test are vastly different. I was concerned in his first degree test that Seth was going to fall over. I was nervous for him and was a very concerned wife. For his third degree test, he paced himself and he was amazing. I wasn’t worried this time. He was more physically fit and better trained for this test. I was watching a different man who has grown so much has a person physically and mentally. As I sat there watching him I realized that the man testing and the wife watching were completely different than the two people who were present for his first degree test. We’ve come a long way together.
This third-degree black belt isn’t just a title – it’s a reflection of who Seth is. Dedicated, grounded, resilient, strong and always growing. I couldn’t be prouder of him.
Laughing, Learning, Loving,
Rebecca Greene, LCSW-R
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