Participation Trophies are...

I used to have very strong feelings about participation trophies and medals...and it was quite negative.  Actually, I still have strong, negative feelings about participation trophies for most endeavors.

Especially after last week's Iron Shirt Tournament, I've had a chance to re-evaluate trophies and medals.  With the exception of my USKA title belt and my Phoenix 50 katana...I'd be perfectly content throwing the rest of my trophies into the dumpster.

Trophies...awards...they should mean something more than you tried.  Now, combat sports are different.  I've said for years that the guts it takes to step on the mat...to win or lose on your own; without a team to blame or fall back on...that's worthy of honor.

I say all this because in the coming week we will be honoring students in out dojo who have truly stepped it up and shown themselves as "student of the year".  Out of 100 students on our roster, 4 will be honored.  Do the math.  Honor is important,  To give honor to those whom deserve it is a pillar of what we do here at Forge Dojo. 

If we're honest with ourselves, there are some people in our circles that rise to the top.  I cannot wait to honor these four students over the next week!

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