Written by While rummaging through a box of random pictures and notes at home, I found this calendar page. It is from January 10, 1998. That is when I tested for my junior black belt. (Apparently, I had a basketball game that day too, we won 29-15 and I scored 6 points. And yes, I was wearing my belt under my jersey, for the 24-hour bonding with your black belt tradition).
One I didn’t even remember saving this page. But I did, and I have carried with me to Utah, all over Utah and back to California.
Today marks 26 years since that day. Back then I never would have imagined being involved with the One Heart Challenge or starting over with my training at this point in my life. I would have said you were crazy, because I was never leaving California or the dojo. My plan was to continue my training and retest for my solid black belt the day I turned 18. Yet here I am. How life changes and how it comes full circle.
Happy Anniversary to me 😊
What an incredible find! Happy Anniversary!
Thank you!
That’s awesome. What a rewarding memory. You should frame it to remind yourself what you did and what you can still do.
That is a really good idea. I think I will!
@eclark, I’ll be honest, I’m a little wary when people come to the dojo after training somewhere else. It’s really important to me that students fit in with our school’s culture. When they come from somewhere else, people often bring a lot ‘baggage’ with them from their old dojo or Sensei. I’m so happy to say that you have fit right in from day 1. I appreciate your ability to both recall your previous training yet are still willing to empty your cup to adjust to new ways.