Jump and the Net Will Appear

I must be crazy, but I've just signed up to participate in The Ultimate Black Belt Test — a grueling yearlong examination that consists of challenges that are designed to create physical, mental, emotional and spiritual breakthroughs. It's going to be quite an adventure!

A successful test involves completing — among many other things — the following in the course of one year:

• 52,000 push ups and crunches


• 1,000 miles of running/walking


• 15 minutes of daily meditation for a year


• 1,000 acts of kindness


• 1,000 repetitions of a single kata

You can check out the full list of UBBT requirements here.

Now, I haven't completely lost my mind, but I must be pretty close! Actually, I've been thinking about doing this for a long time, and I finally realized that the "perfect" time to get on board is never going to come.

I know that with all that's going on in my life that I won't be able to complete "every" requirement "exactly" as it's prescribed on the list, but I'll be working closely with Coach Tom Callos to customize my test so that it is challenging and meaningful — and LIFE ALTERING!

This is a fantastic opportunity to accelerate my own personal growth and development through martial arts-based training. But beyond that, it's a wonderful way for me to lead by example and to inspire my students and others in my community to go beyond the limits that they have set for themselves.

My goals?

Through this test, I want to become the martial artist I've always wanted to be. That means making massive improvements in my techniques, forms, and stances, as well as increasing my flexibility, strength, and endurance. As Coach Tom says, being in the Ultimate Black Belt Test means becoming the ultimate student.

I also want to become more of the person I've always wanted to be. I want to grow my dojo in size and membership so that I'm able to meet and inspire and serve more people. I want to learn more about myself and my place in the world, and to make some positive contributions to it. I want to be more connected, more cognizant, and more compassionate. I hope this test will help with these things and more!

It will be interesting to see how I come out on the other side. Wish me luck! Please check back here often to see how I'm doing — and to keep me honest!