I trained 15 years in traditional Shorin-Ryu Shotokan for 10 years before earning my 1st dan, then taught for another 5 years. My dojo was not all about profit or turning out black belts to the less then worthy. I did fail many times, learned from my mistakes and strived to be better. When i passed my test, my sensei already had my belt for me. No fan fare. No ceremony. No family or friends. Did not even announce it with others training in the dojo in other classes. It was humbling. I see kids, and sometimes adults, wearing their gi out in public with their belts on and i just shake my head and i wonder what kind of values they're actually taught there. I never wore mine in public. Congratulations man. You're right, it's not the end of the road, it's just the beginning of the journey.
Werther is everything you could want as an instructor. He has built Fellowship into an amazing community and a place that is truly special. I have nothing but positive things to say about Werther and Fellowship (Chelsea also does a GREAT job too)! Too bad Fellowship isn't publicly traded because I'd ride that thing to the moon!
