A busy February
28/Feb/09
Wow, I just wrapped up a busy month. Mr. Estillore had a exam at his AWTC dojo (check him out at awtcgym.com) on the first weekend, promotions at Mr. Proctor’s AND Mrs. Merhout’s on the next weekend, I went to Indianapolis the next weekend, and then we had our big brown belt test today. Go to the news and photo gallery pages to see all the happy, if tired, faces.
I know I speak for all the instructors when I say it is a great pleasure for us to have a small part in the journey of so many students. I cannot express how proud I am of these kids—and adults. Today I had more than one parent who wanted to be sure I knew of the dedication of our AKaTo black belts. Yes, I am aware of that fact and I appreciate it guys. I would start naming names but then I would leave someone out. You black belts know who you are.
Now, I said I went to Indy just over a week ago. The natives up there are used to the cold but I sure wasn’t! The people, however, were warm at the Gospel Martial Arts Union headquarters (where I was teaching and sharing some of my philosophy of the martial arts). This a great group of brothers and sisters who run over thirty academies in the Indianapolis area at churches and community centers, many of them in the inner city working with disadvantaged youths. Perhaps some other Texans can join me at their big banquet in October.
And speaking of banquets, Mrs. Barnett told me today we have almost 50 people signed up for the AKaTo banquet on March 21. It’s only three weeks away now so make your reservations if you haven’t yet. The advanced black belt demonstrations in the afternoon will be especially exciting (I think all those involved are suitably nervous). Seldom do you get the opportunity to witness martial talent from across the country convene in one place. Don’t forget that we have all those “student of the year” and “tenets” awards to present that evening. We might even have a special guest or two as well.