Local jiu-jitsu martial artist Rick Williamson's been promoted to seventh-degree black belt, just short of the highest rank in the art for Canada of eighth-degree. Williamson explains what it feels like to come to this level of what can be achieved in Canada.

"Pinnacles are different in different stages of our lives," says Williamson. "When I was competing in Judo and Taekwondo the pinnacle was winning matches and getting trophies. As you mature you start to learn more about the art you're studying. And now I've reached the point where I could take the simplest yellow belt technique and want to actually learn it."

He adds he's been contemplating how much there is to learn after you thought you knew quite a bit, and it fuels him to learn a little bit more every day. Williamson notes you'll never reach all that there is to learn.

"I am very honoured that a person of the rank of my trainer feels that I deserve a promotion," he notes. "I'm proud of it, but I know I'm here because a lot of people helped me along the way -- from my dad getting me involved to all of the people I've trained with, trained under, sparred against, and fought against. It's all a learning experience."