Hello, for those who don’t know me I’m Joann and I started karate in 2018. Walking through these doors as a 7-year-old girt I wouldn’t say i was that excited, as karate wasn’t something that I would’ve personally chosen to do, but my parents said I had to do it, and I did. But after a few classes where I learnt a few things, I started to love karate and look forward to the classes each week.
For me karate is something that is a part of my life and who I am. When someone asks me to describe myself, karate is always a word that shows up because its just helped in so many ways to shape me into the person i am today. Its through karate I’ve learnt to persevere no matter what and face any challenge that’s thrown at me. It has made me both physically and mentally stronger, helping me to keep going and push my limits every time, which then has helped me in school, other sports, and my personal life.
Through karate I have also made incredible friendships, which one of them is with… if you can’t guess, Amerika. I’ve known her since like the start of my time here and ever since we’ve been great friends and also graded every single grading together and its nice to have someone that I share my journey with and I’m really glad that we could grade together today as well, so thank you.
Throughout my time here I’ve had many instructors, each of which I learn something different and that’s really helped me in my overall journey. Aiso, my parents who would make sure I would go to every single training and would help me push myself even further. I wouldn’t say my journey was perfect, it was far from that but thanks to all these people and others who’ve helped me, I’ve been able to overcome everything and keep going and without them all I wouldn’t be here today.
Lastly, I would like to congratulate everyone else here who’s graded and also Amerika, Josh, and Asher, because we are so close.
Thank you.
Joann Mathew
7/12/2024
