Just random thoughts/tips on rather mundane items that have crossed my mind:

—Gi’s…please don’t forget to let me know if you want to order a new or extra gi. Nowadays, the cost is pretty reasonable to obtain a heavier gauge (better for “snapping”) 12 oz gi. Depending on the size, most run somewhere in the $35 range. Most of the white/blue/green belts prefer the lighter (8 oz), inexpensive (about $20) gi’s, but as one moves up into the purple belt level on up, most prefer the heavier gi. Most beginners will complain that the heavier gauge makes for hotter, sweatier, less comfortable training. However, once you make the switch, you get used to it, makes for a more effective workout, and most important…the snapping sound gives one positive audible feedback that their technique is being executed at a minimum speed.

—Belts…At this moment, Sempai Doreen is the only person in the world who wears a black belt embroidered with the New Hope Pearl Karate kanji (in gold) on one side, her name on the other side. What an awesome thing, identifying herself as an NHPC Karate Ministry member (to those who can read Japanese). Sempais James and Wes are also ordering their belts, so in a couple of months, she’ll be in good company. The belts are not cheap, and take a while to come in from Japan, but for most, will be the the last belt they ever have to buy. I spent the first 16 years wearing a plain black belt, until I finally decided to purchase the belt I now wear, about 16 years ago. In case you’re curious, Sensei Trisha wears an SKC embroidered belt, and I wear a JKA embroidered belt.

—Patches…Our reorder of NHPC patches should be coming in soon (or may already have arrived). I’ll be sure to pick them up the next time I go to KC’s. I’m sure Sensei Trisha will be happy, so that she can distribute to some of her waiting students.

—Certificates…When students are promoted to another kyu level, most secular dojos will normally present a kyu certificate. As you know, we’ve don’t do such a thing in the ministry. However, recognizing the significance of achieving the dan level, we are currently working on the design for an NHPC dan certificate. When these are ready, we’ll present to the three new sempais, as well as those who make it to the dan level in the future, at the NHPC karate ministry. Certificates are, in reality, just pieces of paper…however, their true value comes from the time, dedication, and effort these represent to those who receive them. I don’t know where my university diplomas are. Till this day, I only keep two certificates, framed on the wall at home; my Air Force commission, and just one of my dan certificates….not sure what that says about me, but these two pieces of paper, in particular are significant to me. Hopefully, if and when you ever receive an NHPC karate ministry dan certificate, it’ll have some meaning for you as well.