My Journey
I first joined Kaizen because being a food service manager in 2020, I was looking for a place to reduce my anxiety. I did an internet search where I quickly realized that for most dojos, the adult program is underdeveloped, non-existent, or combined with ages 8 and up! But the Kaizen website looked promising, and I called and spoke with the Program Director. She invited me to come try a class, and after that first class, I knew this was the place for me.
I learned I am RESILIENT!
While working to achieve my Black Belt, I learned that I am far more resilient than I ever thought possible. Over the past 5 years, I have overcome fear, family trauma, an assault, and self-doubt. I have gained a depth of self-understanding that I have never before experienced. I can actually say that I feel like a completely different person from the timid, reserved person who started as a white belt.
Gratitude..
I would like to thank the other students whose journeys have run alongside mine thus far. I have made so many great friends through this dojo and I wouldn’t have the confidence in my motion without the endless reps we’ve done together! They have made this entire process so much fun, and it’s a time in my life that I will never forget.
My instructors have also carried me to where I am today, including Mrs. Jewell, Sensei Thor, Coach Brandon, and especially Shihan Jauch. Shihan has believed in me and given me so much of his time to share his knowledge, and I will always be grateful for that.
Kaizen has changed my life
Being a Kaizen Black Belt means that we understand the importance of
community. That our ohana is what creates the kind of place where everyone feels welcome. Kaizen has honestly changed my life. I love that the community is warm and welcoming, students of all ages encourage one another, and it’s a safe place to make mistakes, learn and grow.
I will be continuing on to work towards my Second Degree Black Belt and beyond. My long-term goal is to one day achieve the title of Sensei here at Kaizen, and I am committed to the many years of work that it will take. I am continually inspired by my students and by the committed, passionate instructors at this dojo.