Well, I increased to 5th Kyu this year, and have my 4th Kyu exam right around the corner. I improved in many techniques, including my weapons strikes. I learned Jo Kata #1, and Bokken Katas 1 and 2. And all that is very good.
But . . . the things that I am most proud of improving in this year are two intangible things: 1) My awareness is slightly better than it was. (Which for me is a huge thing . . . Ask my Sensei
. The other thing is simply this: 2) I am far more confident in myself than I was a year ago; my self esteem has went up, and if I'm going to make a mistake, at least it's my mistake, which I own. Somehow, over the past few months of my life, it feels like I am actually in control of my life, which I did not have that feeling of a year and a half ago when I began.
Everyone, have a great New Year and train hard! Onegai Shimasu!