I'm Andrea attends Carroll University majoring in Education with an emphasis on Language Arts.  I started classes at Karate America in 1991 when I was 3-years old.  (But I'd been doing karate since the day I could walk)  I earned my black belt in 2000 and received my 2nd degree in 2005 and am currently a 3rd degree black belt

It was in my blood

I grew up at Karate America and I was raised in an environment that gave me self-discipline, confidence in everything that I do, and life-long friendships; not to mention the skills to defend myself both verbally and physically. I want to be able to give the kids of future generations the same opportunities to have that confidence in themselves. I train to make myself a better athlete and a better martial artist, but I also train so that I can give the kids the best education that they can get. 

I love reading and writing and just being outside playing sports.

Even if you don't do it as a lifelong lifestyle, which is hard by the way because once you start it's almost impossible to give up something this good, it is a great experience that will change the rest of your life for the better. It will build you up from the inside out and make you the best you that you can be.

It gets hard. There are points where you think, "Why am I here? I'm not any good, look at those black belts! I'll never be like them"... I usually don't say this to my students, but you are wrong! You are good as long as you try your best, and nobody is perfect; not even us! But if you work hard and practice you can be as good as you want to be. If you need proof that you're getting better, have someone videotape you in class. A month later have them videotape you again and then compare the two; the results will boost your confidence and show you how great you really are!