I was first introduced to Kyokushin Karate after my husband Braden and I moved to Ellensburg so that he could study Japanese at Central Washington University. We discovered the CWU Karate Club soon after our arrival and decided to try it out, just for fun. I was initially intimidated by the full contact sparring, but after a few weeks of training my husband and I decided this was something we really wanted to continue doing. After a year of training we left Ellensburg so that Braden could study abroad in Japan, and while there we got to experience training in IKO- Matsui for a few months, followed by a few months of training in Aikido. Upon returning to Ellensburg we reunited with our friends at the Ellensburg dojo and have continued to train there ever since. 

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Kyokushin Karate has helped me to grow in ways I never imagined. I have learned to face my fears and push beyond my limits. Shihan Quitadamo, Senpai Ralph, Senpai Annika, and all of my friends at the Ellensburg Dojo have supported and strengthened me through Kyokushin training. I have become a stronger person, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Kyokushin Karate has become an integral part of my life, and like my family and faith in God it will continue to strengthen me as I pass through the challenges that await in the future. As life continues to progress I want to continue to grow in all that I do and never go backward. I will continually seek the “Ultimate Truth”. Osu!