05/12/2025
Mataas na G**o within the PTTA. 11 years ago this rank and the ranks above seemed almost unattainable to me. They were so far from where I was, and on some days a small voice that says, “no, you’re not there yet” is still there.
But, in that time my relationship to rank has also changed. I used to not care about rank at all and thought the whole process was simply a necessary, albeit burdensome, evil. Good for PR and a degree of legitimacy amongst those who don’t know me or my art personally. Ranks told others where I stood within some organisation and there was something about that which did not always sit well with me.
Now, the rank reminds me that I am a part of something larger than myself. And more than that, I think of rank as a gift from the many wonderful mentors I have come across on my journey. I used to say that I did not care what others thought as long as I just kept on my own path - but this is silly and not true. There are many whom I admire and respect, and in turn whose opinion on my journey I value.
And while the rank is a small part of it - what I value most is that somehow, these people whom I respect and trust on matters of martial arts, also have a trust and respect for me. And I will endeavour to do right by them for as long as possible.
I used to say that I stand on the shoulders of giants. And while true, I have been very fortunate to have become friends and forge personal connections with many of the giants on whose shoulders I stand. I am grateful that I now get to bask in the warmth of the companionship and generosity of the giants I learn from.
