05/01/2026
Today is a special moment—not just for Carmen, but for everyone here at Karate RX
Carmen is 78 years old… and she has been on this journey for 13 years.
Thirteen years of showing up. Learning. Adapting. Refusing to quit.
I first met Carmen years ago at The Dojo. Even then, she stood out—not because she was trying to be the best in the room, but because she was one of the most consistent and determined students in the adult program.
Her journey to black belt has been anything other than smooth.
The first school she trained at closed their adult karate program. Years later, the second school she joined closed down after COVID.
Most people would have stopped. Carmen didn’t.
She came to Karate RX with no guarantee she would ever earn a black belt—just the willingness to keep going.
Even here, her test has been postponed three different times—because of medical challenges, family circumstances, and even me getting sick last week.
But every time, she came back. She never let go of the goal.
What makes this even more meaningful, and the reason there are so many here today, is who she is off the mat.
Carmen has been here for her classmates—cheering them on, supporting them, and lifting them up. She has been a great mother, grandmother, and wife to her family.
Today, you saw the result of her hard work.
Her strength in her push-ups.
Her endurance in her cardio.
Her core with her sit-ups.
Her technique in her forms
And her ferocity in her boxing.
That is what I want this belt to represent at KRX.
When I was researching kanji for her belt, Carmen chose the word “determination.” Apparently there are many different versions of “determination” in Japanese but the word “Keshin” stood out to me for her.
Keshin represents a heart and mind that is fully committed—a spirit that is unwavering in the pursuit of a goal.
There is no better way to describe her journey.
We are incredibly proud of you as you reach this milestone.
Congratulations, Black Belt.
