I’ll start with the best news first! My son Donald is now a Shodan. After almost eight years of hard training, that he started when he was just a little boy, he took his Shodan test last Saturday and earned his black belt.
He spent the last six months, training in Karate class four days a week and lifting weights at least three days a week. He looked different than ever before at his exam with a drive and focus that I never seen from him before. I don’t think I could be any prouder of him than I am now!
I also took my exam last weekend and cleared my keri which makes me a full 1st Kyu. I gave everything I had at my exam but I guess I still have some more things to improve before I catch up to my son. I trained like an animal and had days where I still trained even though I could hardly walk some mornings but I know in the end, it will all be worth it. Now I plan on training even harder over the next six months.
Either way, I am glad exams are over and now I hope to keep this blog up to date going forward again. Also, did I mention how proud I am of my son?
Congratulations again, Sempai!