By Lennart Gabrielsen, Member until 2013

I had set myself the goal of graduating 2 kyu this summer 2009.

At the same time as I decided to graduate, I bought a plot of land in Vestamager at the beginning of 2009, which was to be used to build a new house for the family with a deadline of 1/6 2009, as our apartment was sold from that date.

Since I also had to run my company and get my training done at the same time, it seemed like a big mouthful to me.

When I told my wife that, along with the other things, I also prioritized my training, there was not the greatest understanding of my choice.

She still supports me though.

But that was what I wanted and still want, as I think the training in Shindenkan is fantastically motivating both mentally and physically.

I started running more intensely about 2 months before the physical test and did the bronze circle before training when I was going to teach the "new team" in Jokokan Amager. I chose to only run outdoors this time, whereas last time for 3 kyu, I was in a fitness center and trained on a treadmill. In fact, I felt that my form was better last time, but I actually ran a little further this time.

I certainly hadn't forgotten my 3 kyu's syllabus test, where I thought I had it all under control and was sure to pass. Having faith in yourself is one thing, arrogance in the face of the situation is another, I found that out the hard way.

Friday night I went into my 2 kyu syllabus test this time with a completely different mental attitude, and a completely different focus than last time. So I must definitely admit that the "slap" that Kimu Sensei gave me for the 3 kyu syllabus test has made me think differently, change my attitude and hopefully more correctly.

This time it also went better, I passed and that has a HUGE meaning for me, because I had pushed myself mentally with all the balls I had to keep track of. I had also thought that it could go completely wrong and I would possibly dump, luckily it didn't go that wrong. This means that Shindenkan has strengthened me so much mentally that I could keep track of many more things at once.

Saturday then came training camp/graduation. And I have to admit that I was tired after a hard Friday night, but it was also the end of a hard period for me, so I was looking forward to completing this camp with great focus and joy.

For me, this graduation has been very important, I know how much I will give of myself to continue to be educated in Shindenkan. You have made me move and I look forward to being moved even more.

I have good advice for everyone:

Believe in yourself, but be careful not to be arrogant, train karate in Shindenkan, you will be surprised at what you can do, because you can do much more than you think, I have just experienced that in the last six months.