Instructor Y. Max Valentonis

I am a Software Engineer for Verizon where I build software and support computer systems. I am also a writer and illustrator. I have a BA in English from the University of South Florida and a MFA in Writing from the Naropa University .

In addition to studying and learning Don Jitsu Ryu for myself, I have taken the Instructors' course to better give back to the dojo. I work the Tuesday kids' class and I am starting up a Mighty Dragons program on Saturday mornings in the Town and Country area. I write and draw the "Page 3 training Tip" for the "Purple Dragon Ink" newsletter.

Black Belt grading was a constant challenge. I was exhausted physically and mentally; I thought Friday night had pushed me to my physical limits, where I just could not go on, then came Saturday. The day started early and went on forever, a few people had failed grading already, I did not want to fail as well, and all I could focus on was trying to make it through the rest of the night. We only had to finish weapons katas and we would be done for the night. I decided to start with Bo Staff instead of Kama because I had worked with it longer and felt more comfortable with the Bo. Professor said he wanted more kime from the candidates. So when I presented my kata, I gave my all - I visualized each opponent and went into each move as if I were in battle. Yet I still made noticeable mistakes, I refused to be upset by it and asked Professor if I could continue - which I did with the same kime that I had started my kata with. Being able to regain focus quickly and continue with the job at hand, no matter what the obstacle, was a repeated challenge for me in grading and I have taken that determination to persevere and brought it more into my daily life.

Senseis Clara and Gary did a wonderful job of preparing the candidates for Black Belt grading. Many of us had the opportunity to watch and assist at the grading held in Jupiter, FL which enabled us to understand what we needed to be able to accomplish. Sensei Clara created a training regimen for us and opened an additional class so we could just focus on our grading. Sensei Gary worked us hard in the other classes and often had us work on our own to get ready. During the grading, Sensei Clara was always a voice of encouragement and helped a great deal with the grading committee. And even though Sensei Gary was testing as well, he took leadership over the candidates and organized us and made sure our protocol was correct. He counseled us and guided us as one who has gone before.

It was wonderful that so many students from our dojo were able to come to New York and experience what Black Belt grading is about. I appreciated the support from our extended Purple Dragon family. I appreciate everyone who jogged and sprinted with me in preparation, all the good workouts together and of course all of the support. Every student who joins Purple Dragon quickly discovers that they are greater than themselves, and together we help each other reach higher. Thank you for helping me reach this step in my journey.