Our Mat Ninjas (preschoolers) finish 2025 on a high!

Our first Mat Ninjas class arrived — fresh from completing their very first grading the night before.

These three little fellows were bursting with pride. Their confidence and self-awareness were truly next level. I’ve had students grade under me for more than 30 years and have countless treasured memories, but today’s reactions to receiving yellow stripes on a white belt will stay with me forever. As I tied one young man’s belt, he looked down and said, “This is so cool… look at my yellow stripes — this is cool!” Fireworks could have gone off, and he wouldn’t have noticed; he was completely absorbed in that moment of pride.

As a group — the boys, Isaac, their parents and families, and myself — we have grown together over the past two-plus years and shared an incredible journey. With these boys starting school in 2026, we wish them every success in the exciting chapter ahead.

I would also like to commend Isaac for his outstanding leadership and growth as an Assistant Instructor. He has become far more than an instructor to these boys — he is a role model and someone they truly aspire to be. So much so, he wasn’t allowed to go home today until he showed them his black-tip kata! It is these rare moments and genuine connections that quietly shape lives in ways we may never fully see. Thank you, Isaac, for your care, guidance and consistency — even after late Friday nights — these students will remember you forever.

Our final Mat Ninjas class of the day just happens to be all ladies, who have become wonderful training buddies throughout the term. I applaud the parents for their continued support and hands-on involvement with the girls in each class. We’ve had so many wins over the past few weeks, and 2026 is shaping up to be very exciting.