Zach Rose
Karate has significantly influenced senior Zach Rose’s life. Being a martial artist has affected how he deals with any challenge he faces. His training in karate has allowed him to acquire a calmness and stability that are evident both inside and outside of his practice of karate.
At the age of three, Rose began practicing with keen interest at Team Karate Centers in Woodland Hills. After nearly fourteen years, he acquired his black belt in Hapkido, a Korean form of martial arts that uses joint locks, kicks and punches. Rose is now getting ready to train for his second-degree black belt. He has also received a level one certification in the style of Ukidokan, a modern form that was invented by renowned martial artist, Benny Urquidez.
“The one aspect about my training that I have come to admire the most is discipline,” said Rose. “Discipline requires self control, so I can physically and mentally push myself even further.”
Through his training, Rose has been able to meet a variety of fighters. Rose has had the opportunity to learn from Urquidez and Cecil Peoples. He also met Dianne Lee Inosanto, Bruce Lee’s goddaughter.
Rose plans on practicing karate his entire life. He is eager to learn other forms of karate such as Capoeira, which is a Brazilian style of martial arts that combines elements of music and dancing. He has already studied the weapon styles and ground fighting.
Rose believes that karate has been a crucial factor in his life and defining who he is as a person. Rose has expanded his love for martial arts to teaching kids ages six through 17 the core aspects of karate at Team Karate Centers.
“The discipline and fighting skills I have acquired from my training have given me more confidence,” said Rose. “I know I can handle myself in whatever life throws at me.”
Written by Kunal Aggarwal – Opinion Editor
Photo Courtesy of Sam Cohen – Photographer
Sabrina Solley
The martial artists swing their fists and throw their kicks, and they are worked to the their limits. But one final challenge awaits: breaking four wooden boards. The audience members are on the edge of their seats as, in a series of fluid moves, one martial artist cracks four boards loudly in two. In September 2010, after years of demanding training and discipline, junior Sabrina Solley has finally earned her black belt.
Two years later, Solley still trains three times every week at Team Karate Center, practicing a mixed martial art form called Hapkido, meaning “the way of coordinated power.” The name is fitting, as Solley’s skills are the perfect balance of power and control. Solley believes her intense focus has allowed her to greatly improve.
“I keep myself motivated because there is always something new to learn,” said Solley. “We never stop learning, and frankly, learning new things is what makes life interesting and spontaneous.”
When she was in sixth grade, Solley began practicing Hapkido with her younger brother, and over the years the two have convinced their younger sister and mother to do the same. This combination of her family and sport provides Solley with a loving support system. Despite the physical and emotional demands of Hapkido, Solley has never considered quitting.
Each day, Solley becomes more powerful, more controlled and more in love with her sport. Even as the years pass, she sometimes stops and thinks back to the day that she earned her black belt.
“[Receiving my black belt] was an extremely gratifying experience because I knew it was not something that could just be given,” said Solley. “A black belt was something I earned, and I truly felt amazed by what people can do if they strive for goals they wish to achieve.”
Written by Cydney Hayes – Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy of Sabrina Solley
