Written by Background- For those who don’t know my background, I trained in the 1990’s under Masters Ron and Dave Joslin. Back then, I tested and received my Jr. Black Belt back in 1998. I stopped training in 1999 when my family and I moved to Utah.
I have kept in touch with Sensei Oliver over the years. When I moved back to CA, I decided I wanted to get back into the dojo. Sensei Oliver told me about this challenge and I wanted to do it. For a few reasons.
One- I always felt like my back belt was not “real” because it was a “Jr.” Even when I was younger, the goal was always to retest as an adult.
Two- I started a career as a Correctional Officer for the State of California in 2020. The work environment has changed my personality and my mindset in a negative way. I needed to find something to help me reset and get back to my “old self.” I felt like this challenge was the answer, for many different reasons.
Three- Realistically, with my career, commitments at home and the amount of “in the dojo” training time needed, I do not know if I will ever be able to be a “full time” student and earn the opportunity to retest for my Black Belt. With that being said, I challenged myself to complete the black belt challenge. I have the idea, if I can complete this challenge, even if I never retest, in my heart, I will know “I can do it.”
Last year, I was unable to complete the tasks. I had a few injuries, volunteer season at the wildlife center came up and I fell behind. Its ok. I was going to try again, and I promised myself, I would try again every year until I complete the challenge. So, I started again this year.
I recently learned I have a torn ACL and a torn meniscus. I have to have surgery later this year, probably in July. The goal is to be fully cleared for sports a year after my surgery. If all goes well, I will be able to get back into training next summer. Which means setting the goal of starting the challenge again, January of 2027. I am okay with that. It is a hard pill to swallow, but I know everything is going to work out in the end.
I would like to thank Sensei Oliver for always keeping the dojo doors open to me. I have called him a few times to discuss my training and life changes. He has always been understanding and supportive.
Thank you to Elan. She has been my rock. She reminds me to take care of myself, to rest and recover. Whatever I am going through, she offers suggestions and support. She can empathize with me and my concerns about training. She reminds me to do my PT exercises. But most of all, she is always there as my friend. She can call me ten times, and I will miss every single call for x, y, and z. But she never gives up. We will play phone tag for days. But eventually, we connect, and she is always there to listen. I feel very blessed and grateful to have Elan to call my friend.
In general, thank you to everyone in the dojo. No matter how much time passes between the classes I am able to attend, everyone is always welcoming. There are always friendly faces, old and new when I go in. I cannot emphasize enough, how much I appreciate and value the positive space the dojo is for me. I hope to pop in to say hi now and again. But until then, I wish you all well. I will see you again soon!
I am sorry about your injury’s. It is always very difficult to stop doing the sports activities you enjoy because of it. It may take time but, you will heal. After you heal you can return to the sports you enjoy. You can begin again. If you set your mind to accomplishing a goal you can do anything. I wish you a speedy recovery. See you soon.