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"

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"

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"

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"

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"