Mystery incentive "spot" prize

I got my first licence when I was 17. Back then you had to take an oath and sign it in blood! Okay well maybe not in blood but it sort of felt that way and I was so proud to do this.(see picture attached). I felt like I was joining some elite society! It was the first time in my life I felt a sense of belonging. The newer licences we have these days don't have this part in the book, which I think is a shame really but the pride remains the same with me and I'm on to my third karate licence book now!

I was careful to fill my licence book out in my best handwriting and take care of it because like my passport, it feels like a key part of my identity and as I say, I take a lot of pride in it. I subscribe to the values it sets out inside and what it represents and I try to hold myself to these standards in all aspects of my life. Sometimes I fall short but I endeavour to keep holding myself accountable to the precepts it sets out. After all, being a karate-ka is not just what you are when you happen to be practicing in the dojo, it's what you are at all times no matter where you are or what you are doing.You should strive to carry these values in all aspects of life. If that seems a little serious, it is, at least to me it is. I think it makes us different and sets us apart from the non-karate-ka.

In addition to "uphold the spirit of karate do", we promise to follow the dojo kun:

1. Hitotsu! Jinja kumite kansai ni tsutomuru koto!

(Exert oneself in the perfection of character)