Golden Anniversary!!

[OleOle]

Fantastic! Congratulations!

Given that I only started my martial arts journey in the last couple of months at age 42, seems I'll be 92 if I ever manage to do fifty years on the mat!

Here's to the next 50 years! What will the world be like in 2064?

Absolutely sensational achievement Sensei8, all the very best to you!

[GojuRyu Bahrain]

Congratulations! 50 years in the same martial art is impressive!

I just felt a bit sorry for myself turning 40 soon...now I have no excuse!

Keep it up (I am sure you will)!

[sensei8]

Very well done on reaching this milestone.

Prior to his death, at the age 89 - Otsuka sensei is noted to say that he just about figured out Junzuki!!!

There is only training... and the journey is never over...

Thank you, Kusotare!!

What Otsuka Sensei speaks toward is still in front of me, and by all means, there is only training and an unending journey.

[sensei8]

Congrats!!!! 50 years!!!!

Thank you, AdamKralic!!

[sensei8]

Wow, it's a great achievement, 50 years in martial arts. One thing that strikes me is the speed of progression through the Dan grades, Nidan to Sandan in a year, that's very impressive. The grading system is obviously different to our system of Aikido. My Sensei has studied Aikido for 40 years, ten of these in Japan, with Judo and Shotokan Karate but he only holds a 3rd Dan.

Thank you, Harkon72!!

My progression from Shodan to Sandan was quite quick, yes it was. Reason for that is that I was a JBB for just 5 years, and Dai-Soke continued to teach us, even though we were not allowed to earn any rank above JBB. So, at 18 I earned my Shodan, then the next year, I earned my Nidan, and then the very next year after that, I earned my Sandan. As Dai-Soke put it..."You were more than ready, no reason to delay!!"

Many of the times, Dai-Soke would petition for you if he felt you were ready, even though you hadn't reached ranks minimal tenure as of yet. Soke, never questioned Dai-Soke when it came to testing cycles.

[sensei8]

Congratulations Bob! 50 years in the martial arts is a rare, impressive milestone. 50 years in the same art is astonishing. Thank you for sharing your experience, passion and continued development with us here.

Patrick

Thank you, Patrick!!

It's been my deep honor and privilege to have been part of the KF community, more than I can ever express with mere words. As with Shindokan, KF is my family, as well!!

In my Golden Anniversary, I'm in good company with those who have reached this milestone...I bow to them!!

[sensei8]

Congratulations Bob! Amazing achievement.

Thanks for sharing your journey with us.. Do you have any personal highlights that stand out?

Thank you, Danielle!!

It's been my joy to have shared my journey with everyone here at KF!!

My students are my personal highlight...always have and always will be!!

MA wise...Hanshi is my MA highlight because NO Shogo title can ever be tested for; it's bestowed upon you, and in my case, Dai-Soke bestowed upon me, Hanshi.

It was totally, as with everything, a shock to receive Hanshi. It happened at the end of class one night at the Hombu. Dai-Soke was conducting class that night, when he called me to stand beside him, Soke came to sit where I had been sitting...that was very unusual for Soke to do that. I was confused. Before I knew it, I was presented with my Shogo for Hanshi...I broke down in tears...No advanced warning, nothing...sheer and utter surprise. I cherish my Hanshi over any rank, even Kudan!!

Before that, my Shogo titles were bestowed upon me at the Annual Testing Cycle dinner, however, all were a surprise! Can't petition for them!!

[sensei8]

Congratulations Sensei8! I couldn't help but look over the historic time line of your journey and then look at my own in comparison. You earned your Rokudan the year I started training, were awarded Kyoshi(!) just after I earned my shodan. It gives one perspective when looking at a long and fruitful career in the martial arts.

Here is to seeing you around for twenty more years and we can chat via the karateforums holo-room at that point!

Thank you, ShoriKid!!

Nice perspective, indeed. Perspectives like this can be awarding in themselves, makes one appreciative across a broad spectrum. In time, you're time line will cause your students to marvel.

I also observed, through your comparison that...well...I'm old!!

I will strive to hang around for another 20 years, God willing!!

[sensei8]

Congratulations! You earned your Rokudan the year I was born!

My Sensei's Sensei will actually be celebrating 50 years in the Shorinkan sometime in the next few years, I believe.

Thank you, Noah!!

Earned my Rokudan the same year you were born...hhhmmmm...I might need a walker or a AARP membership!!

Please, let us know when you Sensei's Sensei celebrates his Golden Anniversary so that I can wish him well!!

Edited October 19, 2014 by sensei8

[sensei8]

Congrats to you good sir! You've always been full of GREAT advice, I had no idea you had such an extensive martial arts history. Most impressed! keep it up!

Thank you, chrissyp!!

I'm glad that my advice was helpful to you. And yeah, I've been around the block a few billion times!!