Kyoshi John’s black belts and certificates are proudly displayed in the dojo for everyone to see. However, many ask why there is a white belt displayed alongside? Well, in 1994 John earned his second degree (Nidan) black belt. A year or so later, in the summer of 1995, his car was stolen. When the police returned his car, all his belongings were gone, including his cherished Black Belt! John couldn’t bring himself to buy one as his black belt was an accomplishment that was priceless to him, and therefore irreplaceable. With this in mind, John put on his white belt again and continued training. John wore his white belt for more than two years until in 1997, he earned his third degree (Sandan) black belt, a belt he then proudly wore.
