I had my karate black belt grading tonight. And I'm pleased (relieved?) to report that after 6 years of training, countless cracked ribs, a number of leg injuries, and a broken hand (I had to have two titanium pins put in after I broke it two years ago in a sparring match) I've finally made it to black belt.

As anyone who has studied martial arts will know, attaining black belt status is only the start of the journey. It signifies you have covered all the basics and are now ready to commence studying as a senior student.

On a personal note, I feel great. I have been training upto 4 times a week for the last couple of months leading up to the grading. This is the fittest I think I've been all my adult life. But it has taken its toll - I have some pretty bad hip and knee injuries, and will be taking it a little easier until they repair.