What a beautiful art drawing. Your daughter is very talented. Now that you have announced your personal goal it becomes a real goal to achieve. Personal goals can be hard to achieve but, that’s one of the reasons this challenge is so rewarding.

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.

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!