By Grand Master Zico Cheng (7th Degree Black Belt)
John Prevatt Karate, 1916 Oak Grove Blvd., Lutz (813) 948-4004
A senior citizen, Ms. Kyoko Wright has earned her black belt title at John Prevatt Karate-Lutz. I met Kyoko 16+ years ago while her son was practicing Tae Kwon Do. Her enthusiasm toward fitness later directed her to kickboxing, the regimen she follows to date.
Several years ago, Kyoko and other women in my kickboxing class showed some interest in Tae Kwon Do training under my guidance. I encouraged them to start training as a group and eventually earn their black belts.
The novice students steadily transformed into confident higher belt rank students. Despite losing some members under unexpected life’s circumstances, Kyoko and the other senior member continued their training. Their desired path to black belts was right around the corner. At last, they both successfully achieved their shared goal; as one says “Never say never.
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Recently, Kyoko enrolled in our school’s latest program, “MAX”. Guided by Grand Master John Prevatt (9th Degree Black Belt), students are trained to master their advanced weapons forms while developing endurance and strength. As the school’s director, I plan to form a private women’s group (focused on older ages) who always wanted to train in martial arts but thought they were too late or too old to take it on.