10/17/2026
This past Thursday, I tested for and successfully earned my Ni Dan (2nd Degree Black Belt) in Tesshinkan Kobudo!
And let me tell you… I was a nervous wreck! 😂
You would think after spending practically my entire life in martial arts, the nerves would go away. They don’t!
First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Sensei Tamayose, Sensei Brian, Sensei John, and Sensei Cindy. Thank you for your guidance, your dedication, your high expectations, and for continuing to challenge and inspire me. I am incredibly grateful for the knowledge you share, the example you set, and the opportunities you give me to continue growing as a martial artist. I don’t take any of it for granted. ❤️
One of the most special parts of today was having my son, Sensei Trey, as my partner for part of my test. Being able to share that experience with him meant more to me than I can express.
As instructors, we spend so much time encouraging our students to be brave, work hard, push through challenges, and step outside their comfort zones. But I believe one of the most important things we can do is lead by example.
Today reminded me exactly what our students experience when they step onto the floor for a test. The nerves, the pressure, the fear of making a mistake, and the overwhelming desire to do your very best.
And that’s a GOOD thing!
I’m also incredibly proud of Sensei Jennifer, who continues to put herself out there, challenge herself, and prepare for her own testing this spring. After decades of training and teaching, she is still willing to be a student, face the pressure, and continue growing. That takes courage, humility, and dedication!
We will NEVER stop putting ourselves on the line.
We will continue to train, learn, grow, be evaluated, and put ourselves in uncomfortable situations because that’s what we ask our students to do every day.
My parents built Ingram’s Karate Center on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and always striving to improve. As we approach 50 years of our family’s dojo, I hope they know how committed we are to carrying those values forward.
It doesn’t matter how many years we’ve trained, what rank we hold, or how many students we’ve taught. We are still students ourselves, and we always will be.
I never want to become an instructor who only teaches others to push themselves. I want to be the instructor who is still willing to step onto the floor, feel those butterflies, risk making mistakes, and keep growing.
Because our students deserve instructors who don’t just talk about perseverance, courage, and dedication.
They deserve instructors who LIVE IT. ❤️🥋