Current News and Events: April 26, 2003 White Belt Test

Ivan Acosta; Kelsea Besaw, Daniel Davison, Suzanne Dorman, John Hurdle, George Guthrie, Danny Koerner, Russ Rose, Steve Turner, Sandra Wisecarver.

Each student testing submitted a paragraph on karate as part of the testing requirements -- these are included below. The photographs of the group testing and other students and intructors who showed up to support those testing, can be found online in the Group Photos section

Ivan Acosta
I am writing this letter as part of my request to test for my first green tip. It is an honor to be given the opportunity to test for this first step in my Karate experience. Back when I was about 11 years old, my father took me to my first Karate class while we were still living in Columbia, South America. I still remember putting on my uniform and learning the first white belt techniques. Even though it was so long ago, I still remember those classes. I soon after left Columbia to move to the United States and never took Karate until this year. It is something I have thought about doing and the opening of this dojo has helped me realize this goal. I have always enjoyed regimented organizations ands the discipline that comes with them. As a military person, I understand where the discipline comes in and can appreciate how Karate puts that in place. Thank you again for allowing me to test.

Kelsea Besaw
Submitted a drawing of karate fist and kanji characters

Daniel Davison
I like karate because it has helped me with a lot of troubles such as with kids at school for the past three months. I think I have progressed in my studies at school and also released my anger in a positive way. The kata I am learning is helping me build up my confidence to succeed in karate and other things that I do. I will continue training with you all because karate is a good way of teaching me self-defense.

Suzanne Dorman
My name is Suzanne Dorman and I am taking the test for my green tip this coming Saturday. I came from New York two years ago and has this pent up energy that I had no real way to channel. I began Karate classes on March 1 of this year and I have gained a means of channeling my energy in a physical and spiritual manner for which I am so grateful. With Karate I now have a place to learn discipline and uniformity using physical energy that helps me in all areas of my life. I hope to continue my studies and move up the ranks to the best of my ability. I have met wonderful people who are striving for the same thing that I am and we are so gifted to have teachers who are so willing to give this to us.

John Hurdle
Karate is the Japanese word for empty hand. It is a traditional method of self-defense practiced worldwide. Karate teaches discipline, values and attitudes that can be relevant to the maintenance of a peaceful and moral society. The art of Karate is over 1000 years old. Achievement in Karate is recognized through belts. Karate is related to judo but utilizes striking moves coupled with breath control to defeat the opponent. Karate empathizes speed, strength and technique.

George Guthrie
Karate has been a positive learning experience since I started in March of 2003. It has taught me physical and mental discipline. I am learning to listen to direction before action as opposed to acting on repetitive impulse. I am also learning to withstand long periods of physical activity. I look forward to learning more while preparing for the new levels of Karate experience and testing.

Danny Koerner
Karate has meant a lot of things for me. Over the past two months, I have found a new energy that I was not aware I possessed. I have improved my physical well being, as well as my emotional well being. My whole life, I have never been able to keep focus on one thing. This class has given me not only focus, but also drive. It has been both challenging and rewarding for me. I look forward to the new challenges I face in the future while learning the art of Shorin-Ryu.

Russ Rose
At age 48 I don’t see an immediate need to ready for battle, however I was once a Boy Scout and “Be prepared” was our motto. What Karate offers me at this time in my life is the opportunity to develop a) Mind “In karate the mind is recognized as the catalyst for perfection”. b) Improve physical strength, and through stretching, discipline and training, it may be possible to overcome some of my perceived physical disabilities (old injuries) c) Spirit: Through mental focus, and discipline I hope to increase the length of “quitet mind”, something I believe is a requirement to imprive spiritual quality (meditation) d) Through courtesy, I hope to learn and improve my relations with others. I seem to be at my peak learning capacity when I am humble. I translate humble as being teachable. To quote Building Warrior Spirit (Hanshi Scaglione): “The karateka's gift is the excellent feeling of well being, health, strength and general appreciation of life".

Steve Turner
Why have I decided to study karate? There is no single answer. The most obvious reason is to enable me to defend myself should the need arise, but the punches, kicks, and blocks are a very small part of what karate is all about. What really attracts me to karate is the self-discipline it teaches. I seek the “focus” that comes from its practice. I admire the fluid movements of kata and by learning and practicing them I can maintain good physical condition, and more importantly, develop a stronger mental focus. Eventually this will lead to a deeper understanding of myself and others around me, and in so doing, make me a better person. As a white belt, I am at the beginning of what I expect will be a long journey of self-discovery and a better awareness of the world I live in.

Sandra Wisecarver
As a full-time student, and working mother, Karate is a great way for me to relieve stress, exercise, and also learn self-defense. Knowing that I have a way to filter tension built up throughout the week gives me something to look forward to. After each class I feel stronger and healthier physically and mentally. After a couple of weeks in class I am more confident that I can protect myself in real-life situations. Becoming disciplined, stronger, and healthier are goals I am achieving in Karate and life