4th Degree Black Belt Essay
Claire Dudek
My journey in karate began when I was just eight years old at Tokyo Joe's Studios in Milford, New Hampshire. At that age, I was a timid and anxious child, often overwhelmed by new experiences and consumed by fear in unfamiliar settings. I still remember the countless times I stood outside the dojo, unable to gather the courage to walk through the archway. However, my instructor, Shihan Bob Arredondo, worked tirelessly to get me to come into the dojo and work with the other students. Shihan Bob didn't just teach me how to throw a punch or act out a form—he helped shape who I am, both as a martial artist and as a person. His unwavering support, patience, and belief in my potential changed me from that scared little girl into a still anxious but much more confident young woman.
Over the years, Shihan Bob pushed me to grow in ways I never thought possible. He guided me through four black belt tests, always encouraging me to reach higher than I believed I could. Becoming the highest-ranked student he's ever
had was an honor that I still find hard to believe. He also pushed me—sometimes more than pushed—into stepping out of my comfort zone: from joining the Milford demo team to becoming its captain to participating in tournaments despite my reservations and eventually taking on the role of instructor. Teaching and leading my own classes left me with invaluable life lessons about leadership, communication, and patience. These are skills that I continue to use in my life outside the Dojo.
What I treasure most from my time at Tokyo Joe's isn't merely the skills or accomplishments; rather, it's the relationships I built. The dojo was a second home to me, where I formed deep, lifelong friendships with people with whom I have shared and celebrated my successes and supported me through my struggles. The most meaningful connection of all was meeting my partner through karate. His support has been pivotal in my journey, and I know I wouldn't be here today, preparing to earn my fourth-degree black belt, without him by my side.
When my time with Tokyo Joe's came to a close, I transitioned to a new studio, where I was fortunate enough to find another welcoming and supportive community. Master Shihan Kendall and everyone at The Dojo welcomed me and my partner with open arms. This gave us the opportunity to continue growing and has allowed us to pursue our goals further. I am so grateful for their kindness, mentorship, and encouragement during this next chapter.
As this new milestone approaches, I have found myself reflecting on what achieving my fourth-degree black belt means to me personally. Years ago, I never would have imagined getting this far. I've come to realize that this belt isn't just a symbol of martial arts skill; it represents perseverance, growth, and the power of believing in yourself even when you're scared. It reminds me that nothing is impossible and that life has a funny way of leading you down unexpected yet meaningful paths. That is the best way I can sum up what this belt means to me. For over a decade, karate has been a defining part of my life, and I carry every lesson, every challenge, and every win with me as I take the next step forward.