Ten years ago, my best friend, Hugh, sent me this card when I told him I was quitting my “real job” and opening up my own martial arts school.  I opened the card and the first line of his note read, “or the net won’t appear, but you’ll never know unless you try.” He went on to express his support of my leap of faith.

Most people don’t know that one of the main reasons I started my own business was to be be at home more for my little Cade who was struggling to transition after my divorce.  What most people DO know is that I had been working toward my dream of having my own dojo for a long time.  I just never felt like I was ready, even though my master and others kept telling me that it was time.

Sometimes, you just have to leap.  And the net may not appear.  I learned that it was me– I was the net.  The dojo would survive if I took responsibility and persevered.  Some lessons were very challenging.  Some were uplifting and unexpected.

What I love best is that we became an ohana.

I could not have done it without all of you.  I would like to express a special mahalo to some very important folks who helped to shape dojo.  Heartfelt thanks to Sensei Linnelle, Sensei Brian, Anjali, Sensei Roy, and Sensei Barbara who were with me from the beginning.  Mahalo to Sensei Kim and Sensei Ben who left an indelible mark on our youth hapkido program.  Emily, Grace, and Tara who helped build the fitness program. And to Sensei Spencer who continues to spread the Red Lotus love to students in Oregon.

And to all our students, from our Kickboxer’s Bootcamp program to our Hapkido program.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  It has been my honor and privilege to watch you grow on the mat and off.

When we opened, I made a quiet wish that we would make it 10 years.  I got to color in the other eye of my daruma this week. We made it!

Happy 10th birthday, Red Lotus.