Olivia, it sounds like you’re working really hard and truly dedicating yourself to the challenge. May the satisfaction you feel as you progress along this path add to your motivation and diligence!

Let’s find some ways to help you with your sparring numbers some more. If you are here and there are other classes happening up front, see if you can grab another student to spar with, even if it’s a young one. You can “pull” them out of their regular class to get some extra time in the back. For the student, it’s a great opportunity to get some private time with a great instructor and partner. I’m also always happy to spar with you anytime as well!

That’s great that you’re working hard to catch up on numbers. The summer allows you more time to train. Also now you have partners to help you catch up on numbers. Keel it up.

Elinor, I love the motivation you found to help you get your miles in on your bike! We have 4 cats at our house, so we are cat lovers. I’m reminded that there’s an island in Japan that has many stray cats, and if I recall correctly, people live there for free (or mostly for free) if they care for the cats. I’m happy you found a way to build this habit into your day and to bring yourself some joy!

Your commitment to making it happen, no matter what, has not gone unnoticed. It looks to me like you completely attacked this first month! Now you just have to do it 12 more times. 👍

I am glad the cats help keep you motivated in bike riding. It’s enjoyable to meet new cats in different neighborhoods. Congratulations on completing your first month. The some of the numbers are on track to finish early. That’s great.

Those 13 points are excellent! Glad you read the book and shared the wealth with us!

That sounds like a great book to read. Those are a great 13 ways to have strong mental strength.

Some great takeaways here. I’ll have to pick this one up.

Nice job! I’m glad you’re enjoying the kata you chose. You mentioned that you began learning this as a brown belt. At my first dojo, we learned this as a blue belt (if I recall correctly). It’s really interesting how alike and yet how different Isshinryu can be from one school to another. I hope you continue to enjoy doing all those jump kicks this year!

Chinto is an amazing kata! You will see so much progression in your kata over the next 13 months. Keep up the good work!

Chinto is a difficult but, rewarding kata. I hope you enjoy doing it 1000 times.

Looking good Elinor-San! In your progression toward 1000 reps, you’re going to notice so many small adjustments to make. Those small improvements add up to a next-level kata. It’s those invisible things that many practitioners never get because they don’t put this kind of work in.