Different approach

[smckeown]

My school (not really an entire school anymore) does things a bit differently. My sensei decides when I am ready for a promotion based on performance, skills, teaching skills, personalitly, and takes time studied into consideration as well.

I just received my rank of nidan (second degree black belt).

It took me almost 15 years to get to this point. Admittedly if I put more time into it I could of made it here sooner but I can only devote so much time with a wife and 2 kids.

[NY_Karatedork]

Wow congrats on getting your 2nd degree black belt also, time doesn't matter, just as long as you enjoy practicing martial arts.

[bushido_man96]

Well done, indeed!

It sounds like your instructor takes personal evaluations into condsideration for promotion, which is very important, I think...more so than a set time frame.

I hear ya on the wife and kids deal. I am married with 2 of my own. You have to be able to balance it out, and work it out with the family, too. What is important is that you can still make it work. That is important for me, too.

As my kids get older, I hope that they share my love, and I will be able to live through them in the MAs as well.