Dottie Endres

Rokudan candidate at the 2025 UechiCon

BUTOKUKAN - Eighty-one years young - Began training in 2006

Original Sensei: Alan Kessler

On April 4, 2006 when I joined Alan Kesslers Karate would I have thought at 62 that I would be testing on September 5, 2025 for my Master rank, 6th degree Black Belt at the age of 81? No.

I stayed with Sensei Kessler for 8 years earning my 3rd degree Black Belt.  I thought that would be the end of my karate career.  But I still felt I needed to do more.  I love going to the classes but I needed more of a challenge.  On April 9th 2014 I joined Buzz Durken’s Karate School and I am so glad I did.  The feeling of family was just what I needed.  Besides working with higher ranking students, they all became my friend and wanted me to get better.

I have so many mentors, I wish I could name them but I only have limited space.  LOL

But there are a few I would like to end with, my husband for one, Bill (the Ambassador) that’s a story for another time. He drove me to a lot of the places I had to visit when testing and came to all the events I participated in.  My kids, Dawn, Billy & Debbie who encourage me to continue. Buzz for having the patience and sense of humor when I say things out of line.  Judy & Marcus for being there for me.  Bill Leith for asking me to do a video and placing it on Youtube, what an honor.  Thank you everyone for making me feel special.