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 before me for setting such amazing examples *and* for always believing in me.


The question remains.  Am I living a life as a martial artist that leads others to be thankful for me?  I train and study purposefully,  and trust the answer to this question is yes.

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