To start with, Vicki is a one-of-a-kind student. She works hard. She brings both ability and passion to her work. She shares her knowledge with others. She brings camaraderie to a group. And wherever she goes, she is a positive reflection on all those who have taken the time to work with her.
Vicki has been working four (4) years for her Sandan in Uechi Ryu. We set up a test for her at Winterfest, and I had every intention of going down with her as teacher and partner. But due to serious job-related and personal issues beyond my control, I had to send her down alone.
I had confidence.
The test was Friday, and the awards ceremony was Saturday. But after the test, I got both phone calls and text messages that she looked good and did well. George helped arrange a male partner (Tim) for her whom Vicki hadn't worked with before. It's worth mentioning that I have my own way of teaching both yakusoku kumite and bunkai kumite - as do many teachers who have many years in the style. So that naturally presented a challenge. But that's part of the test in my book. Reports were that they did well.
Vicki told me she's black and blue. However the two of them apparently got into it with glee. She says she left some marks as well - with Tim's blessings.
Probably the best compliment you can get from your teacher and fellow karateka is that they read what you were talking about on the Forums, and saw the concepts manifested in a student going up for a test. If knowledge is transferable, then you aren't just cherry-picking athletes; you are teaching martial principles. And to this I give credit to a student who came to teacher with empty cup and full heart.
The news just came through; Vicki got her Sandan. She is happy, and the Winterfest gang is partying.
And the weather down there is beautiful. Yea... they had to rub that in.
Vicky did a fantastic performance for her entire test. Although we are still partying, I wanted to send my congratulations to you as her teacher. You should be very proud of her. Every one at WinterFest was very impressed with her skill, power, speed and technique accuracy.
This was a really great weekend. Sorry you couldn't make it.
Indeed, we had no doubt you'd do well, and we are so happy and proud for you! You do teach so much by example and by your spirit. I, for one, am proud to know you, and happy to see you reach this goal! GREAT JOB!
Wow! What gracious compliments and encouraging words from all of you guys and gals. You are a terrific support team. Thank you so very much.
Many thanks from me to many of you as well. Where to begin....hmmm?
I will start with Bill, my sensei. Thank you, Bill, for your years of instruction, constructive criticism, and support. We are a reflection of the people who pour into us...and you have poured much into this karateka, for sure. Thank you for the last four months of early morning Sunday one-on-one. I am indebted. It is now time for you to write a book or two (George and I were talking about that this weekend). There's way too much in that brain not to share! Others would benefit from your many years of studied analysis of the karate body in motion and its aspects. Your bring so much to the table. It will be a wonderful book. Go for it!
Thank you, George, for our Uechi existence. Without you, we would not all be doing and loving this awesome style. By the way, Winterfest was just as much fun as summer fest but on a much more personal level! Keep up the great work of organizing such wonderful karate get togethers. Also, thank you, George, for helping me research my former teacher.
Susan, you are the best. Every man has a good woman behind him. That would be you (George is a lucky man). Thank you for opening your home to Tracy and me. Tracy and I had a blast and are coming back next year too. You two are a fantastic host/hostess...welcoming, gracious, giving, and such fun. You are the hostess with the mostest! I still owe you both a couple of great meals. I think I need to come down there and just cook for you. Hey, we never did have our Baileys and chocolate, darn! So, sorry about the Harley scare. Hope he is still staying in.
I wanted to thank my test board: Darin Yee, Tracy Capone, and Joe Guidry. What a great group to have to test in front of. Thank you for the honor of testing in front of you. You had great comments that I will take to heart. I hope you will send any written constructive criticism to Bill so I can work on improving. I want to be just like you if and when I grow up in my Uechi!
A huge thank you to Tim, one of George's karate students who was my uke. I had never worked out with Tim. We had about 30 minutes before the seminar started to go through the test format and, let me tell you, there were differences. Tim was great at adapting and working with me, in the limited time we could sneak in during that day, before the test. You are the 'bomb', Tim. Thank you for letting me take it up a notch with my andrenal dump during the test. He made me look good...because he's really good and is a caring soul! I want more time with you and Patty.
I also wanted to thank the women that were a wonderful support for me during this test and are just great fun as well. I do love and appreciate you all...that includes Susan Sussman, Tracy Capone, Patty, Dana Krolick, Sue Dudley, Shana, and Crystal. Women need women in their life. I am blessed because of you.
A special thank you to all of you out there that support, encourage, partner and give in any way as karate brothers and sisters. I had more phone calls, text messages, emails, and voice mails from so many of you that encouraged me and believed in me, before and after my test. That is half the battle when someone believes in you, works with you, and invests in you. That is iron sharpening iron. The other half has to be you believing in yourself and taking chances. Keep up the love and support to your karate brothers/sisters. It's a life force to each other. I love you guys in my dojo and in my extended dojo. You are the best.
