So it's been just over two years since my First Degree Black Belt test, and tomorrow I start a two day test for my second degree. I'll be testing with another old friend who I've been training with almost since the beginning (1999) who is also going for his 2nd degree.

I've been training extra hard these last couple of months in preparation, and I can honestly say that I do feel physically prepared - but then again two days of testing can have a rigorous toll on the body for sure. I think that cross-training Brazillian Jiu Jitsu has really helped my stamina and confidence as a whole. I whole-heartedly recommend that anyone stuck in a plateau try cross training in a different style. It was just the kick in the pants (no pun intended!) that I needed after my 1st degree test.

For the record, I've officially dropped 18lbs of fat in the last three months, and reduced my body fat percentage from about 10% down to 8.7%. This is officially the leanest and strongest I've ever been in my life. On a side note, I'd like to say that I owe this almost entirely to the Paleolithic diet, and the help my wife has given me in eating more "natual". I can honestly say I haven't had a piece of bread, wheat, grain, or legume in about 4 weeks. I eased into it with a little here and a little there, but now I'm virtually off it entirely - and funny enough, my stomach definitely doesn't agree with me when I DO eat any of that now... if that's not a sign, I don't know what is!

In the last two years I've devoted a lot more time to giving back to the school, and was even promoted to Sensei in the fall of 2008. I've since been teaching part time on Mondays, which involves three kids classes and one beginner adult class. It's truly amazing how teaching can really bring out different facets of ones' personality. It's been an honor to work with some of these kids and see them mature into successful martial artists, and it's truly been a growing experience for me who has always had a difficult time interfacing with children.

I both look forward to the test, and look forward to the test being over. I always do my best when I'm preparing for something, but there definitely comes a time when it needs to be over with and things returned to a less stressful state.

So with that, wish me luck!