And the answer is ...
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving in a few days, my mind is straying to whether I have been the kind of karate-ka that others are thankful for. Have I shown integrity in my training? Have I lived a life that is the same in and out of the dojo? Have I encouraged a distressed fellow karate-ka? Have I pushed through the difficulties I face in my own training and in doing so give someone else hope? Have I modeled well for others training with me? I just recently received my second degree black belt rank. During that test, I ran head-on into some places in my training I have neglected. Somehow I dug deep and made it through. Now, I feel the weight of rank again – much the same as I did when I was first awarded shodan. So I reflect again on what I am revealing to others in my training. I have much to be thankful for. And I join in with my dojo brothers and sisters in thanking my Sensei and all who have trained be...