Moving Up the ranks (Learning along the way.

Two part post here - Ember Rocks and the Program slumps.

Ember is now officially part of the Shuri-Ryu system having earned her Yellow belt. At that level they don't consider you a dabbler any more. She takes the whole thing seriously and practices every day. She had the skills but it took a couple weeks for somebody to officially advance her.

Which relates to point two. Gary and Diane had a little "discussion" with the head of the school. Just a misunderstanding of where we can get necessary equipment. Shihan referenced a non-existant part of the contract. So sorry for him that we know how to read and enforce contracts. So we believe he purposely overlooked her, despite Ember doing exactly what he said to advance, and repeated inquiries by her. We found a way around that to - go ask another black belt that has the right frame of mind.
As much as we love the sport, and as much as Ember is enjoying things, it's hard to complain about karate. It's really the head of the school we have the problem with. He's no longer a black belt or instructor or leader. He's a business man. Everything he offers has a dollar sign attached. You can't earn a patch or belt without paying a fee. Even the in school tournament had a regional level type fee AND spectator charge. It's frustrating us but we're learning to take in stride.