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!

9,474

Repetitions of Kata

8,423

Rounds of Sparing

445,003

Push-Ups

484,179

Sit-Ups

9,805

Miles Traveled

9,616

Acts of Kindness

41,813

Minutes of Meditation

48

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

Words Have Power
OneHeart ChallengeWords Have PowerTonight during the instructor meeting, my cat Uzume decided she needed to join the Zoom.  I chose to introduce her to the attendees after she kepGail MaderNovember 5, 2026
Recovery So Far
OneHeart ChallengeRecovery So FarSo far, recovery has been ok; the first week was mostly just spent sitting or lying down with my knee immobilizing brace on. I had crutches to use wheAvi MartensNovember 4, 2026
Knee Injury
OneHeart ChallengeKnee InjuryI know what you’re thinking: “Avi, another injury? Jeez, what did you do this time? Was it sparring? Did you try to get off the shomen agaAvi MartensNovember 2, 2026
October Recap
OneHeart ChallengeOctober RecapThis past month, I think, has been the hardest of my test so far. Sadly, my Oma (great-grandmother) passed away late this month. It was a really big lAvi MartensNovember 2, 2026