It is done, but unfinished.

[Matt - a simple hobbit]

A little over a week ago now I joined Sifu Bronson and Sue at the dojo to participate in my 2nd degree black belt test. It was a special day. We shared some good conversation about wild places before test and had a good peace for the test. It was a cold morning, 42 degrees, and thankfully the dojo was cool as well. I don't think I have sweated like that in my entire life.

The test itself was rewarding. I felt strong and good for the first two hours. Somehow Sifu Bronson was able to fit into two hours the amount of material I would do in three hours in my own training. This is why he is a good Sifu. He brings out the best in us and takes us to new levels. When the two hours were done I had to dial down to more intense mental toughness levels. I have reached these levels before, but usually 8 or 10 hours into a climb or backpacking trek. I have usually had a ramp up to these levels. No ramp up this time. When the time was up and we shared a bow, it was a meaningful moment. I was soaking wet, steaming as we went outside, and shared a pleasant cup of tea in Sue's new and amazing shop.

I headed home, stretched, rolled out, and ate well. I slept like a baby that night. Thanks to Sue's deep healing salve, my soreness was gone by the end of day two post-test. Thanks Sue!

Now more than a week since the test I find myself missing the intense training time. I am still training and actually beginning to develop a seminar on using your elbow in self-defense while at the same time in the beginning dream phase of a new form I want to create, but there is something special about simplifying your life to train hard for three months. During my intense training months I slept better, ate better, was able to focus longer, and had a high level of gladness and thanks in my days. I want to live like that. I can and am moving that direction for life after this test and experience. My wife now is pursuing her 2nd degree test (hopefully in April) and took notes from my experience. Love that we can share this journey.

I keep asking myself what I have learned in the process. I began martial arts to stay mobile. I ruptured my achilles in 2007 and I didn't want to retire to golf. I had more to do and I wanted to keep up with my wife and daughter. Learning from Sifu has taught me how to stay mobile, but so much more than that. I have begun the way of the warrior, seeking mastery in all areas of life - from training to food to friendship to getting into wild places. It is true that my mobility has improved and I am climbing mountains and leading treks into the wild with the energy of the most energetic college students I take, but there are deeper waters of learning that I am unable to fully articulate at this time.

Thanks for the opportunity Sifu and thanks for the support everyone. I looking forward to continuing the pursuit towards mastery.