Hello sir,
I would like to start by thanking you for the incredible impact you have had on my life. Team Karate Centers has been a huge part of my growing up and I consider the studio a home away from home. Specifically, testing for my black belt was the most incredible experience I have ever had; I would not trade it for anything. I have learned so much from you and the other fantastic teachers at TKC, you have truly shaped who I am as a person today. As I have begun moving into the next phase of my life, with my 18th birthday and college quickly approaching, a lot of commitments have presented themselves to me. Unfortunately, this has meant putting martial arts behind other priorities. It is for this reason that I have made the decision to withdraw from testing for second degree in 2013. I am disappointed to miss out on the fantastic experience that is the black belt testing process, but I cannot allow myself to go through with testing if I am not willing to give it my all. Just like you always say, the reason that black belts quit is that they feel they did not do their best and therefore do not deserve it. I would much rather have a first degree black belt that I am confident I earned than a second degree black belt I faked my way into. I plan to continue training at TKC as much as I reasonably can and I look forward to watching this years candidates go through the testing process.
In addition to my training, I want to do right by my experience teaching as well. I have learned so much in the past months from my teaching it blows me away. I have seen what an enormous impact I can have on some of the students, even if I only teach them twice a week for forty-five minutes. I wish I could continue teaching, but starting in May my time will be very pressed. I may be able to teach on a more limited basis, and I am happy to work with you to determine a schedule that suits both of our needs. Thank you again for the truly life changing experiences you have made available to me at Team Karate Centers.
Respectfully,