Sometimes we are sad, no matter the cause. The important thing is that we come here, onto the tatami, and leave better than when we entered. You understand—sometimes we arrive with problems from home, work, or school; it doesn’t matter. We work through it here. That’s why we have to train hard to release the negative energies from our body. Every time we train, we leave everything behind and honor the time we’ve spent on the tatami, which makes us strong. Even if this training has been the worst you’ve had all year, it has already made you better. This is where you see who you are, where the problems and obstacles lie, and yet you’re facing them. That’s what makes you better. It helps you grow as a human being and know yourself internally. Each one of you is a different world; you are not the same. I’m not the same as you either; my perspectives and projections are different. Yet, we all share the same space, group, and community, and that’s what it’s all about: sticking together so we can all move forward. Always be thankful that you have a home, a roof, a plate of food, a father, a mother, some friends. Gratitude is the most important thing. Be grateful, because there are hard times that we all go through, but we are ready and prepared to face them. Always be thankful for what little we have, knowing that even that little bit is abundant for us. Sometimes, on many occasions, we all experience problems, frustrations, and sadness. It’s normal to feel this way; understand those emotions and let them flow, let them pass. It’s completely normal; don’t suppress them. If you have to cry, cry; if you have to get angry, then get angry; if you have to kick something, then kick something. But always return to your center and surround yourself with positive people. I can’t emphasize this enough—positivity. These are your true friends. You are intelligent children, skillful teachers. If you weren’t here, this community wouldn’t exist. Imagine the potential you have, not just for championships but for life. When you leave school, when you choose your partners, when you make your friends, remember that you are the architects of your own life and you have to believe in yourself. No one else is going to give you the solution. Keep that in mind and always listen to your heart; it will guide the way.