Friday morning at 8am 10/25/13, my disciples started arriving for my 2013 Annual Karate Disciple Retreat. They were tasked to bring in the coffee and donuts, but after years of hauling in big boxes of Dunkin Donuts coffee, they bought Sue and I a new Keurig brewing machine. We got that going quickly and were well into the retreat by 8:45am.

During the retreat, Master Tim House, as spokesperson for the C&S Self Defense Association Governing Council, presented me with a plaque inducting me into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame as a registered Grandmaster. It is such an honor to be recognized by my peers for accomplishments they feel warrant such attention.

This was the first time in more than a dozen years or more that I had invited one of my students to attend this retreat to evaluate him for 2nd Degree Black Belt and thus to become my disciple in the White Cobra under C&S Self Defense Association. Brian Serven, also an accomplished yoga practitioner and teacher, held his own with not only myself but also all of my other disciples that could attend, 3 of who are at the 5th degree black belt master level. Not an easy crowd to impress, but Brian did just great and received his promotion and acceptance as my disciple.

The mandate that I give each student who receives a 1st Degree Black Belt from me is to, "... directly, and positively affect the lives of two other people such that they assume the responsibility of directly, and positively affecting the lives of two people." Though the quest for perfecting my craft and seeking folks who I can directly and positively affect will always be the cornerstone of my life, I appreciate the recognition of some who feel that I have done that with them. I am very grateful to receive this acknowledgement of their confidence in our work together.

For lunch Friday, I added a mix of spices to some tomato soup, stopping my presentations just briefly enough to eat. Though we did just a simple spaghetti dinner Friday night, Saturday I prepared what turned out to be a marvelous, if I may say so myself, balsamic and herb chicken dish served over seasoned Basmatti rice. Unbeknownst to me, Master Tim House had brought his special bottle of Kruskovac, a Yugoslavian pear liquor of spectacular flavor. Well, what were we to do, but pour a round for those bold enough to stay beyond the 10:30pm closing time of the day's retreat activities? And then, even after everyone else had gone, Master Russ Jones and I stayed up just a little past 1:00am chatting over a variety of topics.

It was slow getting up Sunday morning at 7:30am though for us (Jones had slept over as his drive home is an hour and a quarter). I hit the Keurig machine for a hot coffee, and got right down to my last presentation, closing the retreat around 11:30am.

Thursday class Brian Serven as 1st Degree Black Belt prior to his promotion to 2nd during the weekend.

Friday morning gathering for coffee and donuts prior to opening of retreat.

Master Rose

Sandan Downs arrives with his very early morning coffee.

Brian Serven arrives for his first retreat experience.

Friday morning picture of Grandmaster Rose's 2013 Disciple retreat participants: Sandan Rick Downs, Spirit Eagle Master Tim House, Spinning Dragon Master James Nancarrow, White Cobra Grandmaster Peter Rose, King Snake Master Russell Jones, Nidan Candidate Brian Serven.

Grandmaster Rose opening remarks.

Sandan Downs

Master Jones

Grandmaster Rose. Smiling? What's wrong with this picture....

Nidan Candidate Serven

Grandmaster Rose during one of his afternoon lectures.

Master Jones and Sandan Downs during a little break while the Friday spaghetti dinner is being prepared.

Master Nancarrow.

Grandmaster Rose meeting late Friday afternoon with Nidan Candidate Brian Serven.

Serven and Sandan Downs.

Grandmaster Rose checking on dinner progress.

During Friday evening's dinner, Master Tim House, as spokesperson for the C&S Self Defense Association Governing Council, presented Grandmaster Rose with a plaque inducting him into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame as a registered Grandmaster.

Saturday morning Sandan Downs coffee call.

Sandan Downs brings his own gear in for coffee.

Sandan Downs giving his mug a rest and using one of the association mugs.

Saturday mooring breakfast is a joint preparation effort of big omelets, sausages, toast, etc.

Master Nancarrow and Sandan Downs are ready for the start of Saturday's morning presentation after participating in a workout clinic after breakfast.

Serven and Master Jones.

Sandan Downs and Master House.

During one of Grandmaster Rose's afternoon presentations.

Master Nancarrow.

Master Nancarrow earlier in the day showing off his breakfast plate.

We have a picture of Master Nancarrow in Florida, relaxing in his retirement in a hat similar to this. When I saw this in a store, I just had to get it to show him I was ready to join him in at least looking retired!

Starting the dinner food prep.

Master Nancarrow.

Master House and Sandan Downs during a late afternoon break before dinner Saturday night.

Dinner preparation is in full swing.

Grandmaster Rose making adjustments to the stove temperature.

Master Jones, Master Nancarrow, and Brian Serven queued up for dinner.

Even around the table at Saturday night's dinner, presentations continue. At retreat, it's non stop.

Grandmaster Rose, Master House and Master Jones.

Sunday morning Grandmaster Rose congratulating his new disciple, Nidan Brian Serven.

Master Nancarrow.

Grandmaster Rose during one of his final presentations Sunday morning prior to retreat closing at noon.