Started Training: September 1986
Promoted to Blackbelt: December 1990
Most Dedicated Student: 1989

My most proud moment in my martial arts career to date is – The United Karate Studio of Dahlonega promoted its first three Blackbelts in 2008. A fourth Blackbelt will be promoted in March 2009. This core group of students revitalized my commitment to my career. Another highlight includes watching my very first student that I taught karate a lesson to became a Blackbelt at the school where I earned my Blackbelt. An equally notable moment is that the Chief Instructor at my home school was a student who I taught her first karate lesson as well!

What United Karate means to me and how does it help me outside of the studio - Training I received from my instructor Jack Scott  has been invaluable. The path my life was taking me would certainly have been dark and probably deadly for me if I had not been lucky to have been taken under his wing as a student. So, what United Karate means to me is that it is my lifesaver. A contestant source of energy and learning, the anchor which keeps me focused when all else seems to be out of focus.

Favorite aspect about training - I enjoy the energy that a class has when we are all working out and all seem to be having a good training-day. The intensity of the workout seems to just jump up a couple of notches and everyone’s martial arts forms (katas) are sharper, stronger, crisper. The sparring is more focused.

Most challenging part of training - I enjoy challenges and so far, the most challenging part of training is trying to find time to train while I’m at the school. When an Instructor is instructing, training with the students is very difficult. So, this challenge is one that I enjoy trying to overcome because it brings me closer to my students.

Started Training: January 06 2003
Promoted to Blackbelt: March 2008
Most Dedicated Student: 2006
Status: Certified Instructor (Certified since 2006)

My most proud moment in my martial arts career to date is – Besides surviving the black belt test and receiving my black belt, would be a hard fought tournament and 2nd place finish in The Battle of Atlanta. I believe the year was 2006. My division had a stacked group of 15+ competitors from around the country. I lost the championship fight by 1 point in overtime.

What United Karate means to me and how does it help me outside of the studio - Karate means the world to me. It has helped me get into much better shape through doing exercises that are not routine, bland, and the same thing over and over like other cardio type exercises. It has also given me much more confidence in myself and my abilities.

Favorite aspect about training - The stress relief – after a long tense day at the office it is a pleasure to come into the studio and kick and punch my stress away.

Most challenging part of training - Time and gravity. I am extremely busy with my career and two children. But I make the time to attend class regularly. I have always had a challenge dealing with gravity – the jump kicks have always been a challenge.

My most proud moment in my martial arts career to date is – The day of my black belt promotion.

What United Karate means to me and how does it help me outside of the studio: United is my second family. They help me learn and grow inside the studio so I can handle more things outside of it. If I ever have any questions or problems about anything, I know they will always be there.

Favorite aspect about training - The people who I train with is my favorite aspect, well, that and sparring of course.

Most challenging part of training - The most challenging part of training is how you have to grow mentally to ale yourself to step up to different physical challenges as you grow in rank.

Note – Brianna is currently on an extended absence while she and her family are stationed in Alaska. We look forward to having Brianna return to her training and teaching sometime after her family’s assignment ends.

Started Training: Aug 1999
Promoted to Blackbelt: June 2008
Most Dedicated Student: 2008
Status: Certified Instructor (Certified since 2006)

My most proud moment in my martial arts career to date is – The day that my Black Belt was tied onto my waist.

What United Karate means to me and how does it help me outside of the studio - With the years I have trained, experienced, and grown with United Karate there is no one meaning that I associate with UKS. The schools of UKS have become a symbol of fun, knowledge, encouragement, success, growth, and most of all family. This symbol allows me to embrace life and do my best to achieve any goal that I may have in the present or future. Although, when trouble approaches I have not one family to bring my hopes and spirit back, but two who will help me in any way possible when I truly need it.

Favorite aspect about training - My favorite aspect about training is the ability to train constructively in an area with new and old friends to grow and accomplish more in my career while helping others learn to their full extent in a fun, safe environment.

Most challenging part of training - Training is the most challenging part of training. Every day I must make sure that I am up for any challenge that may come up while I also focus on staying healthy. To make sure I get the results wanted from those in charge of me and from myself, I must do my best to encourage myself to use my knowledge of training and use it constructively outside of the school.

Started Training:4/2004
Promoted to Blackbelt: March 2009 (scheduled)
Most Dedicated Student: 2007
Status: Certified Instructor (Certified since 2006)

My most proud moment in my martial arts career to date is – Earning my 1st gup red belt

What United Karate means to me and how does it help me outside of the studio - United has helped me alot out side Karate because of the many friends I have made.

Favorite aspect about training - I allways feel better after working out

Most challenging part of training - Showing up on days when I feel lazy