Thread: A lifetime goal: Accomplished !!!!

Just wanted to share with my friends here on the forum, A goal that has taken 37 years for me to attain....
I have been in Martial arts since I was 12, started in Kamishin Ryu Kempo then at around 14 we moved to Colorado and I started under a new instructor affiliated with the same system, that later branched into Toraken Ryu Kempo
I attained my first Blackbelt at 18, and continued to teach and train, and attained my Sensei rating and 3rd degree at 27 during that time I also began training in Jujitsu and attained a Blackbelt in that also...
I taught throughout the years, but never stayed in one place or with the same students long enough to promote one to Blackbelt.. In 2002 I retired from the Nightclub business after 25 years and my wife and I moved to Sandpoint Idaho where in late 2004 I started teaching a few Rape defense seminars around the area.. Two of these students wanted to continue the training, so we formed a class and began, later that year I returned to Colorado and tested for my 4th degree (Yondan) and was awarded the Renshi (senior instructor) title.....
In our system we have separate ranking for personal achievement and for teaching abilities...this past summer I tested for the last belt, that we can actually test for, which is the 5th degree (Godan) (6th-10th are awarded for achievements and promotion of our style) and also tested for and attained my 3rd degree (Sandan) and Sensei rank in Jujitsu, at that point in time I was also eligible for the Shihan (Master Instructor of the Art) title.... The requirements for this title include the 5th degree, and that you must have at least one student that has started at white belt level and attained a Blackbelt under your tuteledge.... I have been teaching a larger and larger class since that time, and these first two ladies have been moving steadily upward in belt levels (Kyu)...
Last night was the culmination of many years of training for them, and I, they attained their 1st degree Blackbelt (Shodan) which in our system, meant that that I was awarded the Red and White blocked belt of the Shihan, a lifetime goal of mine.....
I was so proud of their dedication and hard work I don't think I could have been happier than to give them the Shodan and the Swords of rank...



Tying on my new belt



Accepting their Swords of Rank



Us trying not to grin and do our "Tuff" looks