"I started practicing karate when I was three years old, and it’s been a part of my life ever since. Over the years, karate has taught me discipline, focus, confidence, and perseverance. These skills have shaped not only who I am in the dojo but also who I am outside of it.

My karate training at USSD has given me the mental strength and dedication to pursue other passions, especially piano. I’ve had the honor of winning national and international piano competitions and performing on world-renowned stages such as Carnegie Hall, the Musikverein and Palace Coburg in Vienna, and soon, the Paris Opera House. Each performance is a reminder that the same focus, patience, and commitment I learned in karate have also prepared me for every moment on stage. Karate has also taught me respect, resilience, and the importance of continuous growth.

These values remind me to stay humble, to keep learning, and to face challenges with determination. Whether in music, school, or life, karate continues to ground me and inspire me to become a stronger version of myself every day."

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-Zachary, USSD Temecula