Joshua's Karate Journey

Hi, Everyone!

First, THANK YOU all for your continued support over the past year as I increased my training and my level of competition around the U.S. and attended my first international tournament in Italy!!! I have reached several goals in the past two years: I earned my 2nd degree black belt in December, lead my first training seminar in October, took Gold medals in both Kata and Kumite in the Advanced division at Nationals in 2022, and placed in the top 4 at Nationals in 2023 in my first Elite division of competition. That 3rd place medal earned me a spot on the USA Jr Karate Team! In August, I was honored and beyond excited to be invited to train with the US Team at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. It was an overwhelmingly cool experience and the first of the team trainings I am now able to attend. I am trying to earn my way to the remaining trainings around the USA this year and for international opportunities as well.  I have picked up random jobs around AZ that allow me to successfully complete my final year in high school and maintain 6 days of training.  THANK YOU for believing in me and helping me while I’m still in school!!!! 

As many of you know, I work year-round taking care of a small dairy goat herd in Arizona. The earnings from making Goat Milk Soap and placing kids in competition, companion, and therapy homes, have helped to cover the costs of my tournaments, training, and travel. The opportunities I have in front of me for 2024 go well beyond what I’ve been able to maintain up until this past year financially on my own and with the support of my family.  

I am hoping to earn my way, with your support, to out-of-state training camps with other USA Karate Team members in CA, TX, PA, and travel to another WKF international training and tournament to expand my training and experience with other teammates, compete at additional stateside tournaments, compete in the Junior International Cup, the US Open, and the USA Karate National Championships and Team Trials this summer in Louisiana. Unfortunately for me, these all take place outside of Arizona; your support financially, hiring me for jobs, buying my soaps, and my efforts to coach others are all helping me achieve my goals.  

This past Fall, Punok offered me their support by supplying my gear for my competitions and training! Your support and Punok’s confirmation of support are all answers to prayer and I am truly grateful for it all!!!

I will still be creating and selling Goat Milk Soap and other endeavors to pay for these opportunities; however, I am also continuing this account in the hopes to offset the costs of the travel associated with training and competing the next few months as I strive to balance my love for karate, my excitement to be a member of the USA Jr Karate Team, to complete my Senior year of High School successfully and to maintain my standing on next year’s national team! God lead me to karate and there was know way of knowing how far He would take me!!!

Thank you for your consideration in supporting me through my journey in any way possible!

Arigato,

Joshua