I wish to sincerely express my thank you to everyone at the West Side Dojo for the celebratory surprise this past Saturday. For all those that could not make it, I missed you, but I felt your presence. Thank you to everyone who worked pretty hard at keeping this from me.

This accomplishment is not mine alone. It belongs to the whole dojo. We all have sweat and kias together for many years, months, and days. Along the way, you all have carried me as much I might have done for some of you. Let's continue growing strong together as a whole.

I am humbly learning to accept this new title of "Sensei" that is bestowed upon me. My wish is to continue training with renewed spirits each and everyday that I can. As I said on Saturday, we are all links in a chain and we must not forget that. Therefore my wish extends to all of you as well. Make each moment count and don't dwell on past things that you cannot change. Instead take what you can from it, and move forward striving to be better.

I am proud to be training among all of you. Keep your spirits high, and keep trying and surely you will get there, wherever "there" is for you. And of course, you will be surprised...

Osu,

Sensei Gabe.