New. Terrified. Fat. And now a black belt.

All,

Many of you used to post at the old judo forum before it was totally ruined. Six years ago there, I made a post that I was starting judo and the title was "New. Terrified. Fat." when I introduced myself.

To close the circle, I'd just like to let you all know that after six years of hard work, many competitions, much volunteering teaching at the club, helping referee tournaments, coach players, and help with dojo running/business items, I've been awarded my black belt.

I'm still too fat! I'm however no longer new, and certainly no longer terrified. If anything, the journey has massively improved my life, confidence, abilities, and attitude in almost all things. What a blessing Judo has been in my life, and I'm so glad I stuck out the journey the whole way. Now, I've completed the first part of my Judo journey, and I look forward to continuing it for many, many years to come as I actually begin to learn Judo.

Thanks for all of you who gave me advice in the real world and on the forums over the past 6 years.

Good for you

Congratulations, people can change their destiny by hard work.

congrats! You are awesome. Most people who start Judo don't have what it takes to get to black belt. It's something to be proud of, that you made it happen.

Congratulations! You are now a serious student of Judo - continue to learn, and as you do, keep giving back (:

PS: What was the grading like where you are?

Hi Allen. I was one of the first posters to reply to your original post.
This is great news. All I can say is congratulations on this fantastic achievement.
Now the fun starts

Well done, and as I always used to say on the old forum.............


Wear your Kuro Obi with pride, and just a little bit of Humility.

Congratulations! I'm sure your sensei is very proud.

Congrats.

Seems to me I remember you from the old forum.
I remember reading in Yasuhiro Yamashita's book that his parents got him into judo to lose weight, which didn't work but they were still pleased with the results.
Also seems to fit with what Douglas Adams wrote:  "I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be."

Just for you, the Judo Québekistan, "So now you're a black belt.. what's next poster"
BB poster

Do keep training.  There's no finish line to this path but the journey is a hoot.

Allen wrote:I'm still too fat!  I'm however no longer new, and certainly no longer terrified.

Ah, I remember that one. Best topic title ever, that was.

Congrats, and keep up with judo.

congratz!

Congratulations, Well done