Young Karate Students Achieve Life Dreams

Three young karate students achieved a lifelong dream on Oct. 4. After years of hard training, lots of sweat and dedication paid off when Valentina Val, age 15, Josiah Wallace, age 13, and Christopher Johnson, age 12, achieved the rank of Junior Shodan. These students, who train at Taylor Martial Arts, are well versed in traditional Shotokan methods as well as in ground fighting and other self-defense strategies. “I am really proud of the dedication and heart these students have shown,” stated Shihan Dan Taylor. “They are all not only great karate students and athletes but they are also really nice kids and A students. Academic success is important to everyone at our school,” he added. Valentina, Josiah, and Christopher logged many years before the exam that night. Vigorous training and focus was required to help them achieve their goal. Each of the athletes committed to extra training as the big night grew closer, working hard to hone their martial arts skills. Val, Wallace and Johnson are students at Taylor Martial Arts, located in Moreno Valley. Shihan Dan Taylor has been coaching Moreno Valley students for well over 20 years. Over the years he has coached a multitude of national champions and two world champions.