My first class (photo above) was kind of funny in retrospect. Steve Hiscoe Shihan drove out to our dojo with a handful of students to support us for our first class. I started running 2 classes a week. I only had 3 actual students on the mat at that first class, two of which were personal friends of mine. But the dojo grew from that. The one legitimate student brought in his girlfriend. A week later I signed on one of my contract marketing clients. The rest is history.

Now the dojo has about 30 students and we run 6 classes a week with open training twice a month on Sundays. I also promoted one of my first students, Doctor Jenny, to blue belt on the day of our 5-year anniversary. We also have our own space leased rather than renting space a couple of night a week. The dojo has grown into the type of dojo I wanted to run. It’s a friendly place where people can feel welcome. Students can take their training seriously without taking themselves too seriously. Students can pursue their training goals at their own pace and can rely on their instructors and fellow students to help them progress. This isn’t out of any formal sense of obligation, but because we’re all friends. And while we may not be the biggest dojo around, but I like to think we’re able to impact lives in a more meaningful way.

Last night we celebrated at the dojo with a special class followed by a slide show of memories. We then went to a local restaurant to have drinks and enjoy the massive cake I bought for the dojo. As I looked around at all the faces of students both new and those I’ve known for years, I couldn’t help but feel very grateful for the dojo and what it has become. Thanks to all the students that have made the dojo what it is today. Here’s to another 5 years!