The Journey Begins Again
As an instructor, I am always working to better our students. Whether it's through physical help or mental, the goal is for each student to be a little better than when they walked in. For most of our students, this results in eventual belt tests and graduations. As the leader of our studio, it is important that I lead by example and this is important to keep in mind as I begin the journey towards my next black belt test.
I expect our students to give 110% effort and if I expect this of them I must expect it of myself.
The current mental challenge that I am encountering is fear based on the major heart surgery I went through less than a year ago. Because of this, I have been put on blood thinners in perpetuity. It is important for me to not hit my head, as well as my chest so that there is no chance my heart valve could move or a brain bleed develop.
The current physical challenge I am working toward defeating is getting my body back to where it used to be and beyond. For a period of 6-8 months, my body had minimal activity. I lost large amounts of muscle mass, stamina, and flexibility. All things considered I am just glad to be alive; however, I will strive to get back to, and surpass, my past physical abilities.
After speaking with Shihan Nick Wilson, Shihan Chad Shepard, and Hanshi Dave Kovar at ProMac International 2019 in Denver Colorado, as well as Paul Castagno and Master Tom Callos, I was convinced the Satori Ryu Program through the Satori Alliance was how I wanted to go about earning my next rank.
In my opinion, as an orphaned Instructor, it is important that my test is documented and beyond reproach.
I know that will be incredibly challenging, yet rewarding. I plan on including my students, staff, fellow testers, and family to make this process as meaningful as it can be.
Very much looking forward to the process. Constant updates and details will follow. Link to my Black Belt Portfolio: http://www.alexevers.com/black-belt.html