I joined the Western Circle in 2014. Throughout the time since then, my goals and even ideals have changed from my experience in the Circle training with the sword. I can honestly say my time in this group as a student and as a fighter has been one of the most personally fulfilling experiences I've ever had. If someone does end up reading this profile looking for some perspective to gain from me, I would say first that there are far wiser people then myself you could ask. Despite that, these are the three things I hold personally true from my training that I would share freely as advice: 1. Learn to acknowledge your own weaknesses rather than pretend they don't exist. You can't improve anything you aren't willing to acknowledge. 2. Know the difference between an Excuse and a Reason. One holds you back from progress and the other protects your progress. 3. Listen to your body and learn what type of pain is safe to work through and which is not. Find comfort in your discomfort without pushing yourself to injury. "We do not rise to the level of our expectations. We fall to the level of our training." - David Goggins