My 1st Degree Black Belt:

Hello my name is Christi and I have been pursuing my dream to get my first degree black belt for the last four years. It has been the best four years of my life.
I remember the days where I used to sit for forty five minutes, twice a week, watching my brother take Ms. Erins class. I wanted to join karate more than anything but my family did not have the funds to pay for classes for us both. So, I waited for four years and that is when my journey began. I was eleven years old and in 6th grade. I was so nervous but yet excited because this was something I had been wanting to do for such a long time. We lined up and clapped it in to our stretching lines then began our silent meditation. That was such a long time ago, I wanted to take karate here at Team Karate Centers because of two reasons: one, for fun and secondly, to stay fit. But, now its so much more than that. I need it to help me stay focused in school and to keep my priorities straight in life. Also, to feel like I can to defend myself to a certain point if and when I need to.
I would like to thank my family for supporting me throughout my journey. My mom, especially for driving me to all my classes and tests and for telling me I can do it every step of the way. My brother, Warner who received his first degree last year, for inspiring me and helping me with any curriculum I did not understand. My little sister, Alyssa whose currently a blue belt, for putting up with getting up at 5am to come to my pre-tests. My dad and step mom, for giving me feed back after each class they would watch me take.
Also, Team Makato has come a long way in these last six months. You guys push me to keep trying my best. Also, we are all there for each other if someone needs help on a form, needs a ride, or help with a fund raiser. It has been great and you guys give me confidence when I am on the mat. Thank you for helping my experience be more enjoyabl.e
Lastly, I would like to thank to thank Mr. Fariborz. He has given me the most amazing opportunity for something I will never forgot and will never be able to repeat. He has helped me every step of the way with words of encouragement. Also, he has been an excellent role model for me and every other student to look up to at the studio. I cannot describe in words of how much this means to me.
Receiving my black belt has been a life changing experience.

My Red and Black (Qualification) Belt:

My Red Belt:

My Brown Belt:

My Blue Belt:

My Green Belt:

My Yellow Belt:

My Orange Belt:

My Mission Statement

I will use this journey to challenge myself mentally, physically and emotionally to put everything I have in achieving my 1st Degree Black Belt. I look forward to sharing this experience with my teammates and instructors as we grow together to attain this common goal.

My Essays

Karate has become one of the most important parts of my life. It is a daily thing for me. When I am not at class, I put time aside to practice. Receiving my First Degree Black Belt will be another step in my rigorous journey.
I believe I deserve a Black Belt for various reasons. Firstly, I have been faithful for four years to TKC and I never once had second thoughts. Secondly, I have always kept karate as a priority and gave my all into class time. Lastly, I have tried to exceed expectations of me while maintaining a good attitude.
One word that sums all this up is my quality of determination. I am determined to succeed and receive my black belt this September. I will do what it takes to get me to my goal. And this is what I need to achieve this honor.

The Black Belt is more a symbol of something than anything else. Anyone could just walk around with a Black Belt but it could mean nothing to him or her. It all depends on the person whose wearing it. Each person has their own definition of their Black Belt.
I think that wearing a Black Belt shows what you personally have gone through to achieve this honor. We have to go through hours of endless kicks, punches, forms and blocks to get as close to perfect as possible. We have to work other muscles by push-ups, running, and jumping jacks. We have to go through injuries, change, and learning. ALL THIS to show that you can handle any test you receive. Its a very humbling experience to know you are never the best you can be and that you always have more potential.
Basically, a Black Belt gives you a major sense of Accomplishment. You reached an objective that many others are going for and you had the experience of a lifetime. Getting my Black Belt will be the starting point of a new me.