By Elisabet H. Bjarkmann, 2nd Kyu Yakami Shinsei-ryu, 1st Kyu Kodosoku-kai Gensei-ryu Karate-do

I started at Yakami Shinsei-ryu Karate-d, as an 8-year-old at Jokokan Ballerup karate school. Now I'm 13, so now I've been going for almost 6 years. But all those 6 years have been worth it, Neither a waste of time nor nonsense. No, it has been both fun, exciting and very challenging for me.

After I started karate, I have gained much more self-esteem and self-confidence. It has meant a great deal to my schooling and my other activities (e.g. the chess gold jumper in one year). Now I stand with a brown belt with a BIG dash. You can't say I'm not proud of myself.

Many I think are great advantages because Kimu Sensei is my father, but then there is someone who has been horribly wrong. I don't get any help whatsoever, - regardless of whether I bother or not. He says that he must not interfere in Jens Kyoshi's teaching.

All the times I have been to training or the graduation, I have always received great support from many. I have been very grateful for that because it has helped me a lot along the way. But the last graduation has definitely been the biggest victory for me. I have really had to struggle there. My heart warmed so much when there were many people who supported Bertrand, Carsten and I when we hit the cushions. Thank you!.

It was just as big as when in Japan in April 2007, after an hour's test, I was graduated to my brown belt by Soke Sensei Tonegawa. But to the brown belt also belongs a great responsibility. I have now become an assistant instructor on team 2, where I enjoy coming every Monday.

I can say that I am as proud of the brown belt as all the other belts I have had. If everyone just fights for it, they'll get as far as I've gotten so far. And I won't stop here 🙂

Thank you very much for your patience.

Kh. Elisabeth