Brenda Berkal

Hachidan Candidate of 2024

BUTOKUKAN - Seventy-Two years young - Training since 1993

I would not have expected that studying Uechi Rui would improve my poise and confidence.  To start at the beginning, my son wanted to study karate.  His best friend went to Buzz Durkin's Karate School, so he did also.  I was very impressed with what I saw. I wanted my daughter to study here as well.  I'm not sure she was initially excited.  There was a parent's month.  I brought her to watch my class.  The rest, as they say, is history. 

Shortly after I started studying, in spite of my fear of public speaking, I became an officer in the local component of my professional society. I progressed to be the president of that group.  Two years ago I served as the state president of the 800-person professional group. It was and is still a stretch from my comfort zone,  it would not have been possible for me previously. 

Although I haven't gotten younger since 1993 when I started, I couldn't touch my toes then.  No problem now. 

It has been, and continues to be, a fun journey.