My name is Mariana D. Mirabile. I’m 12 years old; I am currently a second-degree brown belt practicing under the guidance of my seventh-degree black belt instructor, Mr. Crehan.
I’m writing to you today with much honor, and here’s a little bit about me.
Ever since I was 3 years old, my father who is a Karate Master, has been teaching my brothers and I karate. I have always enjoyed the teamwork that me and my brothers have built doing this together. While learning new skills throughout the years, I have also learned everyday life skills that have helped me navigate difficult situations. Karate has also helped me with advancing into my future as a young adult. As soon as my parents thought I was ready, they signed me up for my first karate class. I started at Franklin Family Karate at 7 years old, in 2020. However, in 2020, it was the year of Covid, which put a bit of a strain on my karate journey. But luckily, my brothers and I were able to stay focused, and navigate through the challenges we faced.
Once I finished my first karate class with my karate instructor, Mr. Crehan, I left telling my parents about how much I enjoyed it! It was then I knew I was ready to start my karate journey.
With Mr. Crehan’s instruction and guidance, he continues to teach the true lessons of karate. Mr. Crehan hasn’t just taught me karate, he has taught me life lessons, meditation, and how to be successful in life. One of the most important lessons is about being a good person. That is the root of Karate, not just kicking and punching, but being a great human being, to ourselves, and to others. I am so thankful for karate, because ever since I started practicing karate, I feel like a better person. Mr. Crehan has always been so helpful, teaching me defense, new techniques, concentration, and, he has also taught my brothers and I, all about his karate journey. I enjoy learning all about his karate instructors and the impact they have and continue to have on his life.
Karate is something I feel very passionate about. Karate makes me feel powerful, not just with the fist, but with its wisdom and knowledge it teaches me. My father has always told me, “Be better than yesterday,” and those words will stick with me for the rest of my life.
With the lessons of karate, I feel like being better then yesterday is easier, because karate will always leave you walking out of class feeling better than you already were when you walked in. Whenever I do karate, I feel good. I feel so happy, and so proud of myself, because I get better every single day. I feel relaxed, I feel proud, I feel powerful, and I feel confident, because of karate and the lessons it stands for.