Honor: Principled uprightness of character; personal integrity.  A code of integrity, dignity, and pride, chiefly among men, that was maintained in some societies, as in feudal Europe, by force of arms.

It was a good day when I knew I'd go to class that day.  It felt great, walking into the school where people were training to live by honor.  I'd bow in at the office, say "hello" to Instructor X, kick off my shoes and enter the practice room.  Bow to the flags, wait till the highest belt acknowledges you, bows all around and "Change up".

I started on the 3 month program.  Two months down the road, I was called to test for 1st section.  But I don't feel ready, I said.  How would you know whether or not your ready, Instructor Y said to me.  I suppose so.  That day, a senior belt came in.  He was wearing a black satin uniform adorned with red stripes and patches.  He tested us on forms we had learned.  Then he asked us questions.  Why do we bow to the flags?  Why do you train in moo doe?  What are you looking for in your training?  After the test was over, we lined up and he told us a little bit about himself.  How he used to sit at home and eat ice cream and watch infomercials.  How moo doe changed his life.  Made him a better person.  Gave him something to be.  Made him step out of his selfish life and help people.

The next day, Instructor X told me I had been recommended towards the Black Belt training program.  My ears were ringing.  Wow.  He recommended me!  I tried really hard on that test, I guess I did better than I thought I did.  Do you want to go on in your training?  Hell, yeah!  I want to be strong and fearless.  I want to be just like you.  I signed a contract for the next 2 years, and I was on my way.  I owed them a few thousand dollars on the contract, but he was nice enough to allow me to make smaller monthly payments, as long as I made a thousand dollar downpayment.  That's what credit cards are for.