Much More than a Black-Belt Test

Join a team of like-minded karate students as we embark on a journey through the OneHeart Challenge, a year-long quest rooted in the principles of of Isshinryu Karate–the ‘One-Heart Way.’ While some will use the challenge as part of their next rank promotion, it is so much more than a black-belt test. This challenge embodies the harmonious fusion of mind, body, and spirit.

Join us in the spirit of Isshinryu, where for us, the journey to black-belt becomes a quest to bring our practice Out of the Dojo and Into the World.

It's About the Small Things

The OneHeart Challenge is a fine example of how small things, done consistently over time, add up to big things. Together, here is what we have accomplished so far!

7,304

Repetitions of Kata

6,682

Rounds of Sparing

355,373

Push-Ups

359,185

Sit-Ups

7,669

Miles Traveled

7,531

Acts of Kindness

32,222

Minutes of Meditation

36

Books Read

Meet our Challengers

Learn How to Join the OneHeart Challenge

If our work speaks to you, learn how you can join us in the Challenge.

Recents Posts

Next Black Belt Candidates
Next Black Belt CandidatesYesterday at karate, two of my close friends, Elinor and Avi, got their second stripe on their brown belts! I have been training with both of them forOlivia FordMarch 4, 2026
Nine Years
Nine YearsToday is February 24th, and nine years ago on this day, I started my training at Zen Martial Arts. It’s truly surreal to me that I have been herOlivia FordFebruary 24, 2026
Miles Catchup
Miles CatchupI think that the biggest thing that I have fallen behind on is my mileage. I thought that I would have this one down pretty easily. My dad and I wouldOlivia FordFebruary 19, 2026
Military Ball
Military BallYesterday, my JROTC unit held its annual Military Ball. This is one of my favorite JROTC events each year. It’s essentially like prom, but just for Olivia FordFebruary 15, 2026