Although I always post an announcement when members of Itten Dōjō receive promotions, I never do that with regard to myself. It’s also the case that we don’t typically display promotion certificates, believing the appropriate place for such documents is tucked away, out of sight, in a fire safe. The only certificate heretofore displayed in our dōjō, in my office, is for the final promotion I received in karate, from Ted Vollrath Sensei — and it’s only been displayed to honor his memory. Recent circumstances, however, incline me toward making an exception to both policies. In consequence of issues with a former organization, I have been for almost two years without documents certifying rank in aikijutsu, one of the primary arts I teach. This hasn’t really been any kind of practical impediment, since anyone can readily check into my history and experience. But the fact remains that anyone entering the office of a professional expects to see a credential hanging on the wall, whether it’
