12/11/2014
To the students and families of Rapides Karate:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the students and parents, past and present, of the Rapides School of Keichu Ryu Karate. For thirty years, it has been an honour to lead this dojo. I am humbled that I have been allowed to teach the children of so many from this area.
Over the past three decades, I have watched the youth and adults of our area grow in confidence, ability, and determination. I know that I have made many mistakes, and I am truly thankful that this community has afforded me the opportunity to continue through them.
We make much of the differences between karate practitioners and the rest of society. Our well worn buzzwords - devotion, perseverance, and discipline- have stood well the test of time. The physical training in our simple dojo has been both a source and leveler of pride among students. Regardless of the duration of your training with me, I am extremely proud of all your efforts.
And so, in thanking you all for the last thirty years, I must also announce that this will be my last as your teacher. You, who have in so many ways been a surrogate family to me, will definitely be missed. But, it is time that I start a new chapter with my wonderful wife and children.
Again, I thank you. Thank you for trusting me with your children. Thank you for accepting my instruction. Thank you for giving me a purposeful life that I would change for nothing. Truly, it has been an honour.
Finally, as I spend these last few weeks doing what I have loved for so long, if you are an alumi of our dojo, please stop by. Bring your gi. I would like to see as many of you as possible again.
Thank you,
Dan Gilliland
