Congratulations on getting your black stripe. You are not alone in how you feel. I have the same worries. I hope all the training we are doing will prepare us for that day. I feel like the challenge is a whole year not just that one day. We complete the year we have succeeded. We don’t have to be perfect. We just have to be the best versions of ourselves.

You did well in your first tournament. Some tournaments I don’t even place. Every tournament is different. There is always something new to learn at each one. There are more to come this year.

That is good that you were able to finish the presentation. Public speaking is always difficult. I think the more you do it the better you will get at it. I felt very nervous teaching the karate class. It is getting easier the longer I do it. Sometimes I make mistakes and that is okay. I just continue on and say I have a correction.

That’s awesome that sparring is becoming easier and enjoyable for you. I wish I felt the same. It is the most challenging part of this test for me. I can at least say I can take the hard hits and continue on. I hope with practice I can get better. I look forward to watching you at the tournament.