ADULT BLACK BELT GRADUATES

White Mountain Karate
Sixty-Two years young - Fifty years in training

Karate has been a way of life for me since 1974. I was privileged to study under Sensei Durkin at the Salem dojo as a teenager and will always treasure my time growing up under his guidance. Over the past dozen or so years, I’ve had the privilege to study under Sensei Maine at White Mountain Karate. I’ve practiced with numerous senior and junior students throughout New England who helped me get to where I am today in my karate training and in life. I’m blessed to have the support of my husband Karl for everything I do. This year I’m especially pleased to have my granddaughter Kayla Harrison participating in this Black Belt Graduation as a Level One Junior Black Belt from White Mountain Karate!

BUTOKUKAN
Fifty-Seven years young
Sixteen years in training

BUTOKUKAN
Twenty-Seven years old - Twenty-Two years in training

My time training has not only taught me martial arts, but also a wealth of life lessons and skills. I can't imagine where I would be or who I would be without my karate training and those who trained with me. Thank you to my family, senseis, and classmates for supporting me throughout the years.

BUTOKUKAN
Sixty-Nine years young
Twenty-Seven years in training

Family Martial Arts of Pelham
Twenty-Five years old
Eight years in training

BUTOKUKAN
Nineteen years old
Nine years in training

Neil Stone's Karate Academy
Sixteen years old
Ten years in training

Neil Stone's Karate Academy
Sixteen years old
Twelve years in training

Neil Stone's Karate Academy
Fifty years young
Ten years in training

Peter Pippos Karate Center
Fifty-Nine years young
Eleven years in training

Neil Stone's Karate Academy
Seventeen years old
Thirteen years in training

Peter Pippos Karate Center
Twenty-Two years old
Seventeen years in training

Peter Pippos Karate Center
Twenty-One years old
Seventeen years in training

White Mountain Karate - Forty-six years old - Nine years in training

We are a karate family. We got hooked 10 years ago and all 5 of us practice Uechi Ryu. It is a big part of our lives, something special that we share as a family. We enjoy going to the dojo. It is medicine for the mind, the body and the spirit. It has made such a difference in the lives of our kids. Karate brings out the best in me.

Peter Pippos Karate Center
Sixty-One years young
Twelve years in training

Neil Stone's Karate Academy
Sixteen years old
Ten years in training

Neil Stone's Karate Academy
Forty-six years old
Nine years in training

Neil Stone's Karate Academy
Forty-Five years old
Nine years in training

Randall School of Karate
Forty-Eight years old
Twenty years in training

Neil Stone's Karate Academy
Eighteen years old - Twelve years in training

Thank you to everyone who supported me patiently throughout my karate journey. A special thanks to my cat Milton for being so cute.

Allan Azoff's Martial Arts Academy
Seventeen years old
Twelve years in training

Neil Stone's Karate Academy
Seventeen years old
Ten years in training

BUTOKUKAN
Twenty-Six years old
Fifteen years in training

BUTOKUKAN
Forty-Two years old
Twenty-Eight years in training

Neil Stone's Karate Academy
Fifty-Eight years young
Twelve years in training

Neil Stone's Karate Academy
Sixty-Four years young
Ten years in training

Bill Adams Karate
Thirty-Four years old
Ten years in training

BUTOKUKAN
Fifteen years old
Three years in training

BUTOKUKAN
Forty-Two years old
Three years in training

T Rose Karate
Sixteen years old
Ten years in training

BUTOKUKAN
Fifteen years old
Three years in training

Peter Pippos Karate Center
Forty-six years old
Three years in training

Family Martial Arts of Pelham
Seventeen years old
Four years in training

White Mountain Karate
Twenty-Three years old
Four years in training

T Rose Karate
Fifteen years old
Nine years in training

T Rose Karate - Sixteen years old - Thirteen years in training

I just want to say thanks to Mr. Rose, Ty, Nick, and my mom and dad for helping me get to this point. You guys have all been there for me through everything, and I really appreciate all the support, advice, and encouragement. I wouldn’t have made it here without you!

Family Martial Arts of Pelham
Seventeen years old
Four years in training

Randall School of Karate
Sixteen years old - Seven years in training

Thank you to my Mom, Dad and Mr. Randall for helping me earn my black belt. 

Randall School of Karate
Forty-Four years old
Three years in training

Family Martial Arts of Pelham
Sixteen years old
Ten years in training

White Mountain Karate
Twenty years old
Four years in training

Allan Azoff's Martial Arts Academy
Seventeen years old
Four years in training

T Rose Karate
Fifteen years old - Twelve years in training

I would like to thank Mr. Rose, Ty, and my parents for always supporting and helping me through my karate journey. I would not be here today without them!

Neil Stone's Karate Academy
Fifty-Four years young - Seven years in training

I want to deeply thank my sensei, Neil Stone, and Frank Paetzold. Your belief in me—even during times when I struggled to believe in myself—has meant more than words can express. Thank you for never giving up on me, for your unwavering support, and for guiding me with patience, strength, and wisdom. I am truly and deeply grateful.

Peter Pippos Karate Center - Eighteen years old - Thirteen years in training

Thank you so much to all of the Sensie who have helped me to this point. I have grown as a person ever since I started when I was five, and without karate I would not be the same person I am today.

T Rose Karate
Fifteen years old
Six years in training

BUTOKUKAN
Forty-Nine years old - Three years in training

I would like to give the most sincere thank you to Sensei Durkin for inviting me to test. It was very much a surprise, honor, and privilege that I will never forget. You are the best!! I would also like to thank Mr. Traynor and all senior instructors and students for helping me get better with every class. I would especially like to thank my daughter, Lyla, for her unwavering commitment to her training all through high school as a two sport athlete. Had it not been for her perseverance, I most likely never would have ever begun. Arigatou gozaimasu!

BUTOKUKAN - Forty-Seven years old - Three years in training

I want to thank Eryk for inspiring me to begin my karate journey. Thank you to all my senseis, especially Buzz Durkin, for all the encouragement and support

Peter Pippos Karate Center
Forty-Two years old
Three years in training

BUTOKUKAN
Sixty-One years young - Three years in training

After driving my children to the dojo for 21 years, I decided it was my turn to study Uechi Ryu Karate. I wasn't sure I could do it, but with the excellent instruction and encouragement of my senseis, here I am today receiving my black belt! Thank you to all of my instructors and the senior students who helped me along the way. Thanks to my husband Paul for your continuing support. Thank you to my daughter's. Kai and Kianna, for inspiring me and believing in me. Last. But not least, thank you to Grand Master Buzz Durkin for founding this most excellent karate school and supportive community.

Family Martial Arts of Pelham
Seventy years young
Six years in training

Neil Stone's Karate Academy
Forty-Two years old - Four years in training

I am grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey.  I wouldn’t be where I am without you.  Thank you all!

Peter Pippos Karate Center
Seventeen years old
Eight years in training

Randall School of Karate
Forty-Six years old
Three years in training