IKS Thoughts: Shaun Sullivan

Editor's Note: Prior to the 30th anniversary celebration that we had, I asked people to submit to me their thoughts about the school to share with the headmasters.   I have gathered these essays and will be adding them to this blog as "IKS Thoughts" over the next several months.   Today's submission was made by IKS Black Belt Shaun Sullivan.


I wracked my heart and brain to try and write you some stories to explain my love for the IKS. I tried to think of all the many great things I have learned from you all and then explain them, and I tried to incorporate all of the wonderful people I have met and practiced with throughout the years and even the people I haven't met. But I failed. I can't do it. I cannot talk that much about it, I am just not that good with words. For that I am sorry.

But I feel I have a very important message for you. This message is mostly for the headmasters of the IKS, but there are countless amazing people involved in different ways that also are included in this. The people are many and the acts are endless, and both are priceless.

If you are reading this, have ever been proud of the IKS, ever been proud of a certain student, or even possibly me, than you must turn that back around and be proud of yourself more so. Now I know you are a humble and modest bunch, but you do not have a choice in this matter. I feel you must pat yourself on the back this one time because whatever it is you have felt proud about, you had a great part in that. You were a necessary piece to the puzzle. So you may look back and think of others' successes and feel them yourself as well. And when you step into the dojo tomorrow, I hope you remember to sit back and look for a moment at the wonderful gifts you give to others. You have done a great job teaching me to be modest and humble, so I felt this was important to convey to you because I know you'll never do it yourself. Be proud of yourselves, it is okay, you deserve it more than you know. I'll see you soon for class.



Thank you in its truest form.
Sincerely,
Shaun Sullivan