With one karate video, 5-year-old Phoenix Swonger has managed to capture the internet’s heart.
And for good reason.
A video has been making rounds on Twitter showing Phoenix struggle with breaking a wood board at Orlando dojo, Bobby Dixon’s American Martial Arts Academy. Phoenix made repeated unsuccessful attempts at breaking the board with his heel and broke down in tears. This was a component of Phoenix’s test for a yellow belt.
But Phoenix’s sensei and classmates wouldn’t let him give up.
With everyone cheering him on, Phoenix eventually recovered to break the board. That was when the entire dojo went wild to celebrate with the young boy. His mother, Claudia, shared the video on Facebook and YouTube. Her Facebook video surpassed 18 million views as of Wednesday.
It made for an incredible lesson on perseverance.
She wrote:
My boy learned one of the most important lessons in his life today!
NEVER.. EVER GIVE UP!!!Thank you Bobby Dixon and Erik Gianini for all that you do!
AHOO!!!
