Kudos to Dr. Kel Feind on the achievement of his first degree black belt (shodan). Kel had been doing aikido in various clubs in Indiana, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania for some years before finally having the opportunity to join us here in the heartland of aikido - Southwest Mississippi! It has taken a few years but Kel has been extremely dedicated and has truly excelled in his studies.
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Before the rank demo, Kel seemed a bit frazzled...
... but a mere few minutes and 22 throws later, and he was feeling much more sublime and aiki-like...
Kel, I'm super-excited about the next couple of years, because if you thought that the process and the progress you made between white belt and shodan is remarkable, just wait till nidan! These next couple of years are going to transform your aikido in ways that you cannot imagine. Shodan is just a beginning!
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There's a couple of good references for this idea of shodan being a great beginning...
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Patrick Parker
www.mokurendojo.com
