He Did It!

Last night was a very big night for our boy! At most dojo graduations, your real test is behind you. Graduation is just a chance to show your skills and move up formally. Once you get to brown-black, however, it's very different. Since it is the last belt before black, your test really happens at graduation so all of the black belts can watch and decide if you are ready to move up. It is not unusual to have to test multiple times.

Evan went for his first test last night, and I think I was just as nervous as he was. He looked good! And he earned his brown-black belt:

 Here he is on his Dad's shoulders moving his intention stick one step closer to black:

I couldn't be more proud of not only how well he did but also his attitude going in. He had no delusions that this was a given. He was prepared to take feedback and try again. He was elated to earn that belt, though, and I it is not full-speed ahead towards black belt.