Wow.

Last night was an incredible night. We had the annual Karate Christmas party, and it was a rousing success. Pizza was good, desserts were awesome, and the European knockout video was pretty cool too. I was really excited about watching Sensei Brewer get his gift, part of the weight of the ceremony was disturbed by sugar encrusted and overly stimulated youths but I think he enjoyed his gift quite a bit.

Then he called all of the black belts up to the front of the room. I figured it was for an “atta boy” for planning the pizza party, and boy was that figure off. He handed us this small wooden table thing, and told us that we were going to do some breaking practice. Then he started mentioning his old portable makiwara that he made, and I thought he had devised a new model or maybe a small hanging style makiwara. Again, boy was I wrong.

He then launched into a very humbling speech about how we represented the true spirit of Karate and leadership, and how sometimes it is important to present a symbol of this dedication. I agree with ‘s observation that Sensei does have the unique ability to make you feel incredibly humble but also lit on fire proud of your contributions to the dojo.

Then in came the long sword boxes, and my brain says “NO WAY.” Sure enough, Sensei had gotten all of the black belts a samurai sword in appreciation for everything that we provide the dojo. I don’t know if they know this or not, but words of appreciation and encouragement are more than enough to keep me going. When they do things like this, I need to find a more suitable replacement for humbled. Supremely humbled may get somewhat close.

I really honestly thought that was going to pass out on the spot, as he has wanted a sword for most of the time that I have known him. got a very intricately made sword that was a fair size bigger than ours, I don’t know what the appropriate term for it is but it is ultra-cool as well. I thought it was cool that Sensei framed his presentation with “I got him this because I’ve never had a student get up this high.”

He also gave us all a nice copy of his poem, which I am going to frame and hang in our library once we get some decorating done in there. It’s very cool for me because my first samurai sword set was given to me by my Dad on my 18th birthday (also to commemorate getting my Shodan). Now I’ve got a samurai sword from the Dad’s of my second family, which makes it all the more special.

I really want Sensei Brewer and Sensei Hartman to know that I am deeply thankful for being allowed to learn from them over the years. I don’t intend to stop anytime soon, with or without samurai swords. 🙂