Kevin Chenelle

Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt)

Testing for Nanadan (7th Degree Black Belt) at the 2026 UechiCon!

Sensei: Neil Stone

Original Sensei: Mike Rozumek

Uechi Training since 1994

I started karate for what must be one of the best reasons ever: a free month. The Pepperell dojo offered a free month to parents and I thought it might be something that I would like. Now, more than 30 years later, I’m still showing up at the dojo. What I thought would likely be a short experiment turned into one of the most meaningful parts of my life, mostly because I found a community of people I genuinely enjoy being around. That’s not something you expect to come out of a free trial. Karate keeps me grounded in a way not much else does. Life can get loud, but the dojo has always been a place that brings me back to center. My family has told me more than once that I’m a better person when I’m training, which I choose to take as a compliment... mostly. They’re probably right. There’s something about the routine, the focus, and the constant, but kind reminder that I do not, in fact, know everything, that helps keep me balanced. A big part of why I’ve stayed with it is Sensei Stone, who has been a steady, positive influence on me for years. He’s helped me work on toning down my intensity and channeling it into something more productive—again, probably a benefit to both me, my family and the general public. Karate has never just been about learning Katas and Kumites. For me, it’s been about growth, discipline, friendship, and trying to become a better version of myself without losing the part that likes a good challenge. That’s a pretty solid return on a free month.