Seven years, hundreds of students, ninety-nine bootcamps, eleven black belt tests, and thousands of hours of sweat, laughter, and tears.  It seems like yesterday that I was laying down the red mats, installing mirrors, and dreaming of students walking through the door.  

Cade was only six years old.  

White belt- Cade, at his first test on May 26, 2007.

We sanded wood for the bench and built it together.  I had no idea how many moms, dads, aunties, uncles, grandparents, and friends would rest on it while watching our ohana train and grow.

We have created walls of change and inspiration.  We have made black belts.  We have shared our lives.

The dojo has gone through re-branding and growing pains.  However, our motto has always been to motivate, inspire, and transform our students from the inside out.

The reality as I look back over the years with my son, who now stands taller than me, is that you have motivated, inspired, and transformed Me.  And Cade has grown up with all the positive and dynamic energy of the dojo to shape him.  Everything is different.

Seven years has flown by!  

We are moving locations, more change is coming, but there is no doubt in my mind that the next seven years will be brighter, bigger, and better because of all you!

Happy Birthday, Red Lotus and much love to all of our beautiful, Red Lotus Ohana near and far.

xoxo,

Sensei Reiko