This week, our December gradings took place over three focused days, each one reinforcing an essential lesson in training and in life: a calm mind sees what the eyes cannot.
On Wednesday evening, three adult students stepped forward and completed their gradings after moving through three full rounds in the Spirit Circle. They performed at a high level across all areas. Their technical skills continue to develop with consistency, but just as important was their composure, awareness, and ability to remain present under pressure. Their movement reflected intention rather than reaction, and their conceptual understanding continues to deepen. (Pics coming soon)
On Thursday and Friday, fourteen youth students ranging in age from six to fourteen, representing multiple classes, entered the spirit circle. Each student was asked to perform while facing uncertainty, pressure, and the emotional challenge of not knowing exactly what they would encounter during the Spirit Circle.
The central theme of this grading was learning to remain CALM.
By controlling the breath, students learned to stay alert.
When alert, they learned to listen, not only to their surroundings, but also to their intuition. From that awareness, they learned to move with purpose rather than emotion.
There were moments of tears, which is natural when young students face challenge. Yet by the third round of the Spirit Circle, those tears gave way to smiles of accomplishment. Each student walked away having added another strong layer to the foundation of their confidence.
We often remind our students that CALM replaces fear with confidence, and this grading allowed them to experience that truth directly.
Students holding the rank of Green Belt and above were required to demonstrate their locking concepts while blindfolded. They then located a board by sound alone, listening carefully to the tapping of the holder’s fingers, before aligning themselves and executing a break of their choosing. These requirements emphasized trust in training, awareness without sight, and the importance of internal calm.
One eleven year old student, grading for Advanced Purple Belt on Thursday, our kids intermediate rank, delivered a special demonstration for the Black Belt Review Board. A stone was placed on top of a card balanced on a cup. With complete focus, timing, and precision, he executed a wheel kick that removed the card cleanly, allowing the stone to drop directly into the cup. It was an outstanding display of calm, focused, control.
Our deepest gratitude goes to the Black Belts and senior students who gave their time to assist with the gradings. Their presence, leadership, and quiet guidance are essential to maintaining the standard and spirit of our training.
This December grading was not simply about advancement in rank. It was about learning to quiet the mind, remain present, and trust the training. When the mind is calm, clarity follows, even when the eyes cannot see.
Hapki!
Terry
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