Technique of the Week (February 7th, 2010)

Sensei Lorenzo Aguon
Ueshiro Hawaii Karate Dojo
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"Rank"
Every few months, deshi throughout our system are given the opportunity to test for a higher rank. Sometimes we may find ourselves getting too caught up in the desire to achieve the next rank. We eagerly want to advance to the next level, but often forget about what it means to be promoted.

As I grew in my training over the years with my Sensei, Sensei Matthew Kaplan, it was an understanding that you never even talked about "rank". Your Sensei would tell you that he/she felt you were ready to test. It was never the other way around...where the student told the Sensei, "I'm ready to test".

As a student, it was my responsibility to train hard, keep in good physical shape, show respect on the deck, and integrate karate into my life. When my Sensei told me I was going to test, it was an honor to hear those words. After a test was finished, I was handed a certificate and my new belt. I knew from that day on, I would do nothing to disappoint my Sensei. I needed to show him that he made the right choice by telling me I was ready to test. I had to work twice as hard, simply to "Earn My Rank".

Train Hard!
Sensei Lorenzo Aguon
Ueshiro Hawaii Karate Dojo
www.uhkdojo.com