This past Thursday was the last day of my junior year of high school. So much has happened this school year, good and bad. The majority of my time was spent in my schools’ AFJROTC program, where I did community service, leadership activities, learned about aerospace, and so much more. I ended this school year … Continue reading “End of Junior Year”
Written by Avi Martens
I’ve officially finished the first week of my black belt test! Honestly, it’s kind of crazy doing this. I’ve been in karate for 7 years, and truthfully, being a black belt always felt a bit unattainable, like something that only happens in movies or to the adults that teach class. But after I moved to … Continue reading “First Week Down”
Written by Olivia Ford
The school year officially ends this week and I’m extremely excited. It’ll be nice to be able to be home during the day where I can get a lot of numbers done. During the school week I’m usually not able to get that much done for my test because I’m at school for so long … Continue reading “2nd Semester Finals”
Written by Elinor Silack
Avi, Gail, and I have officially completed the first week of our black belt test! I have been training in Isshinryu karate for roughly 5 years now and I am so excited to be starting this journey. I was 12 years old when I started training in karate and ever since then I have been … Continue reading “Black Belt Week One”
Written by Gail Mader
So I began the One Heart Challenge on June 1. When Sensei Oliver invited me to join the challenge along with Elinor and Avi, I was grateful and yet scared. I know how much of my life I focused on preparing for my shodan test. It literally took an army of people to support me … Continue reading “The Journey Begins”
Written by Olivia Ford
It’s official! Our dojo now has two new black belt candidates. Elinor and Avi are finally starting their black belt tests. With a combined nearly fourteen years of training, they are starting the thirteen month journey. Starting on June 1st they will begin their test. This is extremely exciting to see since I have been … Continue reading “New Black Belt Candidates”
Written by Olivia Ford
One of the many things that I have to complete in order to finish my black belt test is to seek out a master. I have to talk with someone who is considered a master in isshinryu karate. A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Master Diane Ortenzio-Cooling. She is a ninth-degree … Continue reading “Seeking Out A Master”
Written by Olivia Ford
Last weekend, I finished the final stage of my community service project! After weeks of collecting donations, buying the items I was short on, organizing, and planning, I was able to start the final day. Last Saturday started with the card-making process. The dojo was open to students of all ages to come in and … Continue reading “Project Completion”
Written by Olivia Ford
Today is Mothers Day! I know that I have made a blog about my dad on my blogs and how he is doing the black belt test with me, however I have never really written about my mom on my blogs before, and I think that this is the perfect opportunity. When I was first … Continue reading “Mothers Day”
Written by Olivia Ford
I just wrapped up the donations part of my community service project, and I received so many donations. I knew that I was going to get a lot, but I never imagined the sheer numbers of things that I would receive. We have a spare room in my house and it has been absolutely taken … Continue reading “Community Service Project Progress”
