Tammy Pelli Leonard and her daughter Addie train as a family at Manchester Karate Studios in Manchester, NH. Read about their remarkable journey below and be sure and congratulate them both on their recent promotions to 2nd and 1st ********************************************
Addie became interested in karate after attending a karate birthday party at age 5. Shortly after Addie began training, I joined her, and two years later my son began training.
As both a student of Kenpo and as a mother of students I appreciate the influence that training in Kenpo has had in our lives. We are fortunate to train in the supportive and positive environment that Mr. Steve White has carefully developed in his Manchester Karate Studio.
As a mom, I love hearing my children applying the lessons they’ve learned from Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Lyford, and the entire leadership team at MKS. As a student, I always look forward to my time on the mat, surrounded by positive people. And as an assistant instructor, I enjoy being part of the team that supports other students on their Kenpo path.
Earning my black belt in 2021 was the culmination of hard work and determination. But it has been even more satisfying to support my daughter in earning her black belt this year, while also preparing to earn my 2nd degree black belt.
We were able to take the candidate class together this fall and to train together at home. During the test, we got to run some of our techniques on each other, and it was a moment of pride for me when her instincts kicked in and she ran her material so well.
Kenpo is one of the key components to Addie’s confidence and discipline in life. Little did we know when that birthday party invitation came six years ago that MKS would be such a big part of our lives today.
I’m looking forward to the first time that my daughter steps onto the mat for the black belt class with me in January.