09/18/2026
With more rank comes more responsibility. That responsibility includes continually acquiring knowledge, refining skill, practicing humility and self-control, and, perhaps most importantly, spending more, not less, time on the mat. There is an old saying that goes:
“Miss one class, you notice. Miss two, your instructor notices. Miss three, everyone notices.”
That mindset is exemplified by Shaun Thornhill, a 1st Degree American Kenpo Black Belt who spends one hour with me in person every week for private instruction, and sometimes puts in two-hour private lessons as well.
Tonight, Shaun reviewed Coordination Set 2, Long Form 3, Leap from Danger, Circles of Protection, Capturing the Storm, Conquering Shield, Kneel of Compulsion, Clipping the Storm, Glancing Wing, The Back Breaker, as well as the Orange Belt extensions to Clutching Feathers and Triggered Salute.
Shaun continues to demonstrate the dedication, discipline, and perseverance that come with taking his training seriously.
Amazing work and perseverance, Shaun!
