It just got real... real.

[SaxonPig]

Quick history- Started in 1973. Made shodan in 1979 and nidan in 1984. Stayed with the same dojo and instructor until 1989. Then left for a variety of reasons. Moved to another state. Sort of fooled around with training until April of last year when news reached me that first instructor had died.

As a result spent much time on phone with former training partners and friends from dojo. Old memories galore. Longing to recapture lost youth mixed with guilt over abandoning instructor. Sought out local dojo and started again.

Been brutal. Much agony and injury. But lost 35 pounds in 10 months (need to lose more) and have improved... slowly... but improved. Went to a couple local tournaments recently and picked up 2 firsts and 2 thirds. Not bad for a fat old man.

In class last Thursday and head instructor in attendance. Casually tells me I'll be testing for sandan at the next rank test. Hadn't really thought about rank advancement until he mentioned it. All I wanted was to train, try to get back in shape, and have some fun. But now I have decided that I want it.

Although, it's only been 25 years since my last rank test. I hope I'm ready...

[Grego]

sweet. That is really awesome. Congrats.

[NewLevel]

thats great man! very encouraging! go for it and more, you deserve it.

[bushido_man96]

Keep up the hard work.

[pittbullJudoka]

Congratulations on the up coming promotion. Train hard and enjoy. Keep us informed on the results.