On Saturday, March 3rd, 2007, I tested for Shodan in jiujitsu (specifically, Goshin JuJitsu) at the the dojo I've been training at since 2002. Shodan literally means "first rank", but it is better known in America as a black belt. 

I think many people view a black belt as a culmination of training meaning you've mastered a martial art, but that's not really accurate. Historically, martial art schools had no colored belts (yellow, orange, green, etc.) and you had no rank whatsoever until you acquired a black belt. Basically, until you got a black belt you were just some knucklehead hanging around the dojo. Becoming a Shodan meant you had shown enough dedication, skills and maturity, to BEGIN practicing martial arts. 

Having just acheived the rank of Shodan, I can tell you this feels very true. I feel much closer to the beginning of my learning than to the end. 

All that said, it still feels good and I'm proud of the accomplishment. I truly love martial arts and the quality of the training and the people at the Martial Arts Studio. Shihan Steven Sciandra, Sensei Brian Ottey, Sifu Bill Schettino, and Sensei Yoichiro Matsumura are the best teachers a student could hope for and I'm honored to train with them. 

I hope to continue training in martial arts until I am a very old man.

The picture below is me and Jessica (about seven months pregnant with Charlie) after the exam.

If you want to see some more pictures of the exam you can look here and there are some additional fun photos here.