Kaitlyn Thomson 2

As a child beginning my studies in 2004, I learned the importance of self-discipline and an attitude of “I can” and “Be Patient” when it comes to practice and achieving my goals. Mr. Ito instilled in me that I need to take ownership of my progress both in the dojo and in school; that I had to want to progress and that no one else could make me improve without my own will to do so. This was especially profound for a junior high student who as beginning to face adversity in her school classes. I realized that if I wanted to do well in school and to earn good grades, I had to work for it and I had to want those grades because they were not going to be handed out to me for lack of effort.  - Kaitlyn Thomson