Bill Menees

Shodan Promotion Nidan Promotion	Promotions:	Shodan 12/3/05 Nidan 12/2/06
	Family Members:	Wife Amy and son Aaron
	Favorite Foods:	Strawberry Swirl Milk Shakes T.G.I. Friday’s Jack Daniel’s® New York Strip & Shrimp
	Hobbies:	Computer Programming Martial Arts Knifemaking
	Favorite Sports Teams:	University of Tennessee Volunteers
	Goals:	At least 3^rd degree black belt Have my house paid off a year from now (Done!) Bokken and Jo staff training
	Web Sites:	http://www.menees.com http://blog.menees.com http://www.RoadToShodan.com
Getting a black belt means so many things to me that I can’t sum it up in one paragraph. After thinking about it for several days, I’ve summarized it into the following points: It means I have one more way to show my son how to be a better man. I can demonstrate for him the qualities that all black belts should share: perseverance, compassion, respect, awareness, humility, responsibility, self-discipline, self-confidence, fitness, and an earnest striving for perfection of character. It means that I’ve demonstrated my dedication and devotion to the art and to this school. I have such enormous respect for Mr. Jones and the other black belts I’ve been involved with here that it’s a great honor if they feel I’m worthy of a black belt. It means I’ve given my absolute best and consistently pushed myself further every day. It means that “the third time’s the charm” for me. I took Karate in junior high and Tae Kwon Do in college, but I didn’t stick with either of them long enough to reach black belt. I got over the hump this time because I’m at the best school for me, I had the best help, and I’m old enough now to understand that martial arts will always be important to me. It means I’m able to confront my fears and nervousness about doing well on test day. Doing that makes confronting other things in life not just possible but easy. It means I’m not too old to start something big, work hard for years, and excel at it. It means I’m no longer just a guest here. I’m one of the family now. It means I have a long way to go, but at least I’m getting there.

Ode to Bill Menees

by Conrad Jones, December 2005

If I’m reading this poem, then Bill has made it through his test.
And I’m sure everyone will agree, he is one of the best!

His dedication and extra hours of training were easy to see …
He’s just got one major fault: Being a fan of UT.

Bill’s attitude and friendship have been as inspiring as the Great Lakes …
We figured out he works so hard so he can have his Strawberry Swirl Milkshakes!

He has shown the Black Belt qualities … especially the one about caring …
He gets lots of practice at home with his family, Amy and Aaron.

One of his next goals could be tougher than biting through a house made of Tudor.
That would be teaching Mr. Jones how to turn on a computer!

I thank you, Bill, for you have inspired us to reach new goals.
You have been a Black Belt in life for many years, and it shows!

Bill Menees

by Conrad Jones, June 2007

Bill is the quickest to ever make 2^nd Degree ...
I think being the master is in his future, but by then I won't be able to see.

Our website is amazing, thanks to Bill and Dave.
All across the world, people just rave and rave.

Bill's attitude, humor, and ability are all first class.
Monday and Wednesday morning classes are always a blast!

He is now running races, and he's feeling injuries with his impending age.
Just 30 more years and Bill and I will be on the same page.

Thanks for all you do for our school, and for me ...
Keep up the good work .. It won't be long 'til 3^rd Degree!