So this happened over the Christmas break. It was not expected and caught me off guard. It came with a personal note that read:
“Jeff:
As one of my final acts as founder of the project “The Ultimate Black Belt Test”, I am promoting you to the rank of 8th Dan.If you’re like me, you will reject the notion that you’re qualified. Nevertheless you should see this then as an opportunity to live up to the notion.
• Promote a progressive kind of MA education.
• Inspire good, kindness, and compassion.
• Be an example , to the best of your abilities, to others of what a Master of any art might be.
If you live these things, and seek to improve yourself as a human being — and promote this kind of martial arts — then you will grow into what it is to wear an 8th Degree Black Belt.
w/Love & Respect,
Tom Callos”
I wanted to share this with you guys because, as we all know, a promotion above 5th degree is an honorary promotion that mainly recognizes your ongoing contributions to the art. When you read what is written on my certificate, there is little doubt that we all share in this honour. Silent River Kung fu is my life’s work and if it were not for the support and contributions of all of you, we would not be who we are. Thank you!
Jeff Brinker