godan recomendation

I wrote a recommendation letter for my friend Joseph as he is testing for his 5th degree black belt. This was what I wrote...

January 16, 2008

Sensei,

I have had the distinct pleasure of having Joseph as a peer and mentor at FMK Karate.

Joseph has been more than the ideal student; he has demonstrated outstanding leadership and maintained a clear sense of purpose. FMK Karate is at the core of Joseph’s life and he has a deep connection to our school and its members.

Joseph has been a model student, instructor and friend. He has been highly active in tournaments and demonstrations. He exemplifies all of the qualities that a master black belt should have. Joseph is courteous, kind, and generous. He will volunteer his time to help any student in need, including myself.

I have spent many late evenings with Joseph practicing kata, form and sparring. As a result, I have learned a great deal from him. I would have to admit that his help and support have definitely attributed to a large portion of my own success and that of other students as well.

He goes above and beyond the norm with outstanding effort to ensure that our dojo is well cared for. In addition to regular maintenance duties Joseph has undertaken many large tasks that have ensured the stability and functionality of our school. For example, he spent an entire weekend helping to resurface the dojo floor.

As en ever evolving karate student, Joseph continuously uses creative and innovative ideas in his classes and pushes himself constantly to grow and improve. He retains the beginners mind (Shoshin) and is always open to new opportunities to learn.

Joseph maintains the proper attitude and approach that will enable him to further his karate training in the future. He has progressed very rapidly due to his continual effort and maintains the proper degree of humility that should exist in accomplished karate students. If he is diligent and patient he will continue to succeed. He should be very proud of his accomplishments and has a very bright future as an ethical human being.

As his classmates and I will always hold him in the highest esteem, I sincerely recommend Joseph as an ideal candidate for the black belt rank of Godan.

Respectfully submitted,

James William Richtsmeier

(Nidan)