My Master helps me on my journey

I remember very vividly when I passed my black belt, the euphoria the ego the sleeping holding my belt. It had been such a hard long road. I think I was eighteen and of course, knew everything there was to know. 

In my dojo called the Tonbridge Club near Kings Cross at the time, probably one of the toughest areas in London (you would never believe it today) there was a private training/changing area and on the door, it said 1st Dans only. 

Upon passing my grade I went up to my Master Suzuki and said to him. “Sensei I can now get changed with all the instructors as I am now a first Dan.”

He looked at me long and hard and said nothing. He walked over to the office and picked up a big felt tip pen walked over to the sign put a line through 1st Dans only and changed it to 2nd Dans only.

It is not arriving that is the most important it is the journey that makes the person.

Always honor your teachers without them there are no students.

Dai Master Raf

This article is based on opinion:
– the author is not a qualified doctor or anyone who can dispense medical advice.
– any opinions stated are just that and people should consult a doctor before making any dietary changes or changes of any nature prompted by the articles published by or on behalf of Xen-Do.
– under 16’s please obtain parental permission before posting anything online.