This week was scary, and fun. I auditioned for next year’s spring musical, Mean Girls. This was the first time I had done anything like this and it felt good to put myself out there and I am looking forward to seeing if I get cast. Mean Girls is one of my favorite movies and … Continue reading “Cooper Riegel – Week 11”
Written by Cooper Riegel
Not much happened this week. It’s been a rainy week in Auburn so I’ve spent a lot of time inside. I still went out for a hike in the rain earlier this week, and I have a feeling the flower bloom this year is going to be enormous. I was also able to get some … Continue reading “Cooper Riegel – Week 10”
Written by Cooper Riegel
This week marks the end of the second month of my test. The physical parts of the test have been easier, and the sparring rounds I am doing with Sensei Chris Hadlock have been very fun but also challenging. His style of fighting is very different from what I am used to and it is … Continue reading “Cooper Riegel – Week 9”
Written by Cooper Riegel
This week has been very exciting! I started my first job on Sunday at the Unitarian church here in Auburn. Also, I was finally able to get my Driving Permit! Now, I need to take a driving lesson so I can drive on surface streets. Along with the 3-day weekend has come time to start … Continue reading “Cooper Riegel – Week 7”
Written by Cooper Riegel
This week was packed full of new (and old) karate experiences. There was a tournament up here in Auburn at Master Bennati’s dojo. This was the first time I had been back there since I came to Zen in 2020. I was very nervous at first coming back to the place I trained originally from … Continue reading “Cooper Riegel – Week 8”
Written by Cooper Riegel
Wow. To say I am impressed with Dirk and David is an understatement. I am very grateful to have been involved in their test and it was amazing seeing what lies ahead for me and Lucas. When they began their tests, I wasn’t able to imagine the dedication and willpower this test requires. Now that … Continue reading “Cooper Riegel – Week 6”
Written by Cooper Riegel
One of my favorite parts of this test has been the 1000 Mile Journey. It has been getting me out into nature and I am very happy about that. There is so much to see and I have definitely gotten more motivation to go outside. I took this photo on top of Mt. Lincoln while … Continue reading “Cooper Riegel – Week 5”
Written by Dirk Herfurth
Being a Black Belt – What does that mean to me? It is difficult to explain to someone who has not practiced a martial art. Some of my family and friends will be with me at the dojo to support me during my test and I appreciate that a lot. They all know what the … Continue reading “Week 56 – Final Dirk Herfurth”
Written by David Brezinski
What it means to be a black belt (…should I pass!) Setting a goal and sticking to it! No quitting, no excuses! In my very early days at the beginning of my training sensei made a comment about putting a picture of a black belt on the refrigerator as a reminder of the goal. It … Continue reading “Week 56 – Final – David Brezinski”
Written by Dirk Herfurth
As the New Year begins, I find myself reflecting on the past year and all that it has brought me. It’s been a long journey filled with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, but it has all been worth it. The past year has been filled with countless hours of training, sweat, sore muscles, and aching … Continue reading “Week 55 – Dirk Herfurth”
