I passed!

[tclambert]

16. Congratulations! That takes hard work.

That means from now on, when others give up because something looks too hard, you'll think to yourself, "Sure this is hard. But not as hard as earning a black belt. I can do this." That should help you in your career and every other part of your life, too.

As for first degree meaning "beginner," on the day after I got my black belt (Isshinryu), I was in the dojo and noticed my punches didn't look as crisp and powerful as those of the more experienced black belts. I thought, "Darn it. I'm gonna have to start over working on all the basics." Twenty-two years have passed and I still learn things every class. Though now that I'm getting to Tai Chi age, I may forget as fast as I learn.

I'm really glad to hear you want to keep training and keep advancing. Tragically, a lot of students get to black belt and never set foot in the dojo again. The fact that you want to keep going is a credit to you, and to your sensei. Compliments to you both.