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!

You’re likely going to be in the best shape of your life within the next few months! The summer heat is the unfortunate consequence of that Sacramento life. That said, winter can be an even more challenging time to get your miles in (unless you love riding in the rain). I generally recommend getting ahead while you can now. Maybe some morning or evening rides to avoid the heat?

I am glad your body is adjusting to all the physical exercise. It will help you in this challenging year.

Awesome start Elinor! And congrats on wrapping up your junior year!

Congratulations on starting the black belt challenge. It is great that you will have your friends doing it with you. The support and encouragement you get from them will help you along the way. I am around if you need advice or support also. See you in the dojo.

You’re such an important part of the dojo family Avi! And this test makes it even more so. The whole dojo is behind you!

Celebrating your courage and long-term vision, Avi!

So excited to do this together!

So excited to see you go through this journey!

Congratulations on starting the black belt challenge. The first week is difficult because your body has to get used to all the extra exercise you are doing. Your body will adapt. You just have to give it time. I am here if you need advice or support. See you in the dojo.

I can already see your commitment to this test in your training in class and also the extra work you are putting in by coming to the dojo early, on the weekends, and staying after class to get your numbers in. You won’t always be excited to put the work in, but if you maintain this consistency in your self-discipline, it will carry you to the finish line for sure!

Woohoo! Way to get through week 1, Elinor! Great effort to start the challenge! Remember, we will be doing this quite a while. We simply have to pace ourselves 🙂