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![Profile picture of Avi Martens]()
Avi Martens wrote a new post
My Karate HistoryMy karate journey started when I was 7 years old. My brother had joined 9 months prior and was actually the reason I joined in the first place; unfortunately, we had to quit not even a year later. But in 2019,…
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![Profile picture of Gail Mader]()
By the way, how cute is little Avi in this photo!!!
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![Profile picture of Elan Wilbur]()
I really liked reading about your karate journey to present day. Each test for a new belt is unique, special, and challenging to each person. Your 12 year old self would be proud of you. This test not easy. It will challenge and change you in many positive ways. I am around if you ever need anything to help you in this test. Keep up the good work.
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Avi Martens wrote a new post
Joint IssuesMost people in my day-to-day life don’t know this, but these past few years I’ve been having fairly bad joint issues. I’ve been hypermobile all my life. I’ve got bendy fingers; my shoulders are so flexible that th…
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![Profile picture of Elan Wilbur]()
I am glad your body is getting stronger. It is great you found something to help your body heal. This black belt challenge is your challenge. You have to find ways to follow through on all the tasks. For example, if your are unable to run biking and walking will help you get miles. Swimming is also a low impact sport on your ankles and knees. It can help to strengthen all of your body. Your numbers look good and on track. Keep it up.
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![Profile picture of Gail Mader]()
That’s a lot to bear, Avi. I celebrate your resilience in continuing to find ways to heal, or rather, aid your body in being as strong as it can be along with managing how it is built. I’m sincerely glad the prolotherapy is providing some relief, and I hope you continue to display that black belt heart in finding solutions to help you live your best life — meaning doing the things you love in spite of the challenges.
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![Profile picture of Avi Martens]()
Avi Martens wrote a new post
First Week of SchoolFirst week of junior year done! I’ve got a super packed schedule this year with work, karate, school, and fitting my numbers in, so my weekdays are super crazy. Luckily, this past week was all about planning and m…
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![Profile picture of Gail Mader]()
Congrats on beginning your junior year! And enjoy your ASL 2 class!
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![Profile picture of Avi Martens]()
Avi Martens wrote a new post
Back AgainHi everybody, sorry about the long gap in between my posts writing has really never been one of my strong suits. I recently went on an 8-day-long camping trip (super long, I know) for the 4th of July. For the first…
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![Profile picture of Gail Mader]()
What a beautiful picture! I’m glad you had a nice long trip with family and friends. I hope that means you enjoy camping!
I’m glad you padded your numbers before hand. But to mirror back, you said “All my hard work down the drain.” I’m curious…wasn’t that the intention of doing that? So is your hard work down the drain or did you accomplish your goal? Is it reasonable to assume the numbers will ebb and flow, like the tide? Perhaps you’re experiencing Isshinryu code #2 ~ The blood circulating is the same as the moon and the sun. To me, that code says things will come and go. It might be an interesting experiment to see how that perspective might lighten the load of the challenge. Keep up the great work! So excited to do this journey with you! -
![Profile picture of Elan Wilbur]()
That’s great you were able to camp for 8 days with family and friends. I find the outdoors to be invigorating, relaxing, and refreshing. It so helpful to have family and friends help motivate you for the challenge. They will be your support throughout this challenge.
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![Profile picture of Avi Martens]()
Avi Martens wrote a new post
First Week DownI’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 somet…
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![Profile picture of Elan Wilbur]()
Congratulations on starting the black belt challenge. It is great that you will have your friends doing it with you. The support and encouragement you get from them will help you along the way. I am around if you need advice or support also. See you in the dojo.
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![Profile picture of Mike Oliver]()
You’re such an important part of the dojo family Avi! And this test makes it even more so. The whole dojo is behind you!
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![Profile picture of Gail Mader]()
Celebrating your courage and long-term vision, Avi!
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![Profile picture of Elinor Silack]()
So excited to do this together!
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No doubt 12yo you would be proud! No matter the age or challenge conquered, you’ll always remember it. I tell my students “No one can ever take this from you!” and that’s what each belt represents. It also represents your potential to grow into the next belt. You got this, Avi! I’m honored to be walking this challenge alongside you!