Mike Dempsey – KajuKido Black Belt promotion

I can’t tell you how thrilled I … and we … Mark and Keith … are to have another student join the ranks of Black Belt at our dojo. Mike is just the 4th student to achieve that rank. Outside of nerves … which everyone can absolutely relate with … Mike did a great job. 

Let me take this opportunity to say a few things about Mike as it relates to our dojo. My students are real clear that how I approach Martial Arts is very different than how most dojos approach them. I am far more interested in students learning how to be in their bodies and learn how to move in relationship to an ”opponent” as I am interested in their just accumulating a lot of techniques. Mike really gets that.

Mike has totally “bought in” to my philosophy and approach. He catches on to the nuances of what is occurring. He enjoys teaching … and in that process … clearly understand that he is more deeply getting for himself the techniques he is teaching. He can stand in line behind me because if I haven’t learned something out of a class I’m teaching … I missed an opportunity.

So Mike … congrats on your accomplishment and welcome to the TOMA Black Belt family. I am very proud of you and your diligence and commitment and am hopeful for many years to come in exploring this Martial Art world and passing what we have learned on to others.