so im a little misty eyed today and i'll tell ya all why. iv been kicked and punching most of my life. martial arts has gotten me in better shape physically and mentally many times. its done much for me in many other times and i give it credit for lots of great things. not just fighting. life philosophy is a huge part of it. now. my 9 yr old niece has been going for a few years now. she just called me to tell me she won her first practice tournament. she won some friendlys gift cards for doing a perfect kata. im a little upset i missed it. but more happy choked up cause she called me after winning. i cant wait til i get some money and shes a little older. we can train together. gonna be great. 