Being A Senior Dan!!

[sensei8]

Thank you, one and all!! I'm glad you liked the OP.

I'm still at awe in that I'm the most Senior, of everyone in Shindokan. I remember there was a time when I was still a white belt and everyone outranked me. More importantly, I'm in awe of the ENTIRE Shindokan student body; hard training and dedicated in everything they do both on and off the floor.

Nearly 50 years later, I'm the most Senior in Shindokan. Strange how things turn out.

[sensei8]

I remember we had a pretty good time together training, and I can't imagine it not going that way with your other dojos.

Yes, we did indeed have a pretty good time training together!

When you and I trained together, you had no preconceived notions, I know I didn't.

As a matter of fact, the other Nanadan's and Hachidan's tell me that they've experienced the same thing as I've experienced from time to time. However, because of my position, I suppose that comes with the territory! I'm spit-balling here.

Seems the higher the rank the more guarded they become towards Greg and I for some reason(s). It's not like we're going to strip their rank away or something if they mess up.

[Spartacus Maximus]

I have always had a suspicion that being THE senior must be very confusing and lonely at times. At least before there was always someone else above to give advice and a different perspective. Maybe the more advanced a person becomes the important peers get. I think that when one reaches the summit of the mountain, the best thing to do is come down and have a chat with those who have reached the top of different peaks. If this works for academics, then it must also be true for martial arts.