Kyokushin has done more for me than I can express in words. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to become a strong martial artist. My Kyokushin training in the Ellensburg dojo has done more to help me achieve that goal than I could have ever imagined. I have been training in Karate and other martial arts from the time I was six years old, but after achieving shodan in my previous system my training began to stagnate and, sadly, I began to lose interest in it. 

 

From the first week I set foot in the Ellensburg dojo I was reminded of my goal. The spirit and energy of the Ellensburg dojo completely strengthened and increased my urge to become stronger and learn as much as I could as a martial artist. In the nearly five years that I spent learning Kyokushin, I not only gained a new perspective on martial arts, but I learned a great deal more about myself and the passion I have for martial arts. I can honestly say that without the inspiration, drive, and determination I took away from my time spent in the Ellensburg dojo that I would not be the same person I am today. I would not have the strength of will and body that I now use on a daily basis to overcome any and all hardships I face in my life. 

 

The Ellensburg dojo is a family of people who are seeking the ultimate truth. My training mates became like my extended family, and one of my greatest regrets in leaving America this past year was that I could no longer train at the dojo with my family every week as I had become so accustomed to. To Sensei Ian Quitadamo, I would like to say directly, thank you so much for all that you’ve done for me. I can honestly say without hesitation that you are the best teacher I have ever had, not only in Karate but in so many different aspects of life. I gained more and improved more under your guidance than I had before at any point in my life. I sincerely hope I can return to the dojo in the future and contribute some of what I have learned in my training abroad in Japan. Training in your dojo has helped me to pursue and accomplish what I’ve always wanted to do with my life, and I sincerely hope I can continue learning from you in the future.