When it comes to giving credit to those individuals who have made an impact on my karate journey, I would be remiss if I did not mention the incredible individuals that make up the Mukashi Dojo. This includes everyone from White belt to Black belt, the young, and the not so young. Collectively, their enthusiasm and willingness to continue to stretch their boundaries and try new things is one of the things that continually inspires me and makes me want to come to the Dojo every day. They never complain (hardly), they are respectful, not only to me but to other instructors, and to each other, as well as to the Dojo.

I have a lot to be thankful for. My Dojo supports me in all my karate endeavors. Wether it is Yarmouth Cup, Summer Camp, Kagami Biraki, Soke Cup, Becoming Karate Nova Scotia Chief Referee, Cole Cup Bogu Competition, etc.. Mukashi Students are always there to encourage and support me.

I am very fortunate to have a handful of senior students, who have been training for many years themselves, that I can “bounce” ideas off of and discuss techniques with, as together, we continue to try and uncover the hidden treasures that our beloved Chito-ryu has to offer. I have always tried to cultivate an inquisitive mind within the students, and I encourage them to seek out answers through their own training. Not to wait for Sensei to tell them the answers. I know many senior instructors who have told me that if they were no longer able to teach at their dojo that their dojo would inevitably close. I would like to think that this would not be the case at Mukashi Dojo. I believe in the saying of Shoshin Nagamine OSensei of Shorin-ryu, who said: “ True leaders do not create followers, they create more Leaders”. I am hopeful that as I approach the final chapter of my karate journey, whenever that may be, that I can look back and see that there are many leaders in my group, and be confident in the knowledge that OSensei Tsuyoshi Chitose`s Chito-ryu Legacy will go on for many years to come.

Thank You, and much gratitude to all the students of Mukashi Dojo.