Saturday, January 13, 2024 Ms. Raeann Bardgett earned her 4th Degree Black Belt and the coveted “black uniform”! She persevered through many obstacles, including a knee injury to achieve this major accomplishment!
Ms. Bardgett in her new 4th Degree Black Belt and Black Uniform!
We are all very proud of her and thought it would be appropriate to tell her martial arts story. Enjoy…
Youth Martial Arts:
The young Raeann with her Black Belt grandparents
Ms. Raeann Bardgett’s martial arts story begins in 2009 at the young age of 6 when she joined National Karate for karate training. Inspired by her grandparents, who were actively involved Black Belts and proving that you are never too old for martial arts training, Raeann embarked on a path that would not only shape her future but also instill valuable life skills and a sense of community. The desire to follow in their footsteps fueled her passion for the sport and youth martial arts became more than just a physical activity for Raeann; it became a lifelong commitment and a source of inspiration.
Leadership Program and Growth:
After achieving her Brown belt, Raeann’s dedication led her to participate in the Leadership program at National Karate, which combines leadership training with experience-based practice assisting their instructors teaching younger children in their karate classes. As she learned about how to serve others and develop responsibility, she worked her way up all the Leadership levels and eventually became a National Karate Instructor and is now the office manager at the Elk Grove National Karate School. But it all started in the National Karate Leadership Program and over the next 15 years, Ms. Bardgett’s commitment to karate has grown, shaping her character and providing a platform for personal growth.
Note: If you would like your child to grow in their leadership and communication abilities, ask your instructor for details about National Karate’s leadership program.
Earning the Black Belt and Its Impact:
In January of 2014, Ms. Bardgett earned the coveted Black Belt and it became a defining moment for Raeann. It symbolized more than just
Raeann promoted to 1st Degree Black Belt in 2014
martial arts proficiency; it signified the importance of karate as a vehicle for personal growth and achievement. Raeann reflects on how the karate community stands together, supporting each other through challenges and victories alike. The black belt became a testament to Raeann’s strength, independence, and profound respect for her parents, who dedicated time and effort to keep her engaged in the sport she loves – a true martial arts story.
Family Involvement in Karate:
Raeann’s family has been an integral part of her martial arts journey. Raeann’s grandparents, both 4th-degree black belts at the age of 74 and 75, blazed the martial arts path which lead the way for Ms. Bardgett to join. And now, her younger
Ms. Bardgett with her Grandparents. All 4th Degree Black Belts!
siblings have become the karate kids who are actively involved, continuing the family tradition. Family support is a constant motivator for Raeann, with her loved ones present at every tournament, cheering her on.
Tournaments and Memorable Experiences:
Ms. Bardgett is an excellent tournament competitor and her favorite tournament is the Diamond Nationals, which is the largest and most prestigious
Medaled at the AKA Grands!
sport karate tournament in North America. It has been rated the number one tournament in the country for over 20 years and is produced by the National Karate Schools! This past year stands out as one of her fondest memories as she describes students and families from several different National Karate school locations cheering and encouraging her while she competed. Raeann describes the heartwarming sight of fellow karate enthusiasts supporting each other, emphasizing the sense of community and unity within the martial arts world.
What has martial arts meant to you?
Ms. Bardgett says, “National Karate training has taught me how to become stronger, more independent and most of all respect my parents for all the time and effort they put in to keep me in this sport. One of the reasons I love my job at National Karate so much is because it feels like I get to give back to the sport by helping the new karate kids and their parents grow in confidence as I once did when I was their age.”
Conclusion:
Ms. Raeann Bardgett’s martial arts story is a testament to the transformative power of youth martial arts, family involvement, and the pursuit of self-confidence and achievement. Her karate training journey reflects the values of respect, perseverance, and community that define the martial arts experience at National Karate. As Raeann continues to teach and inspire, her story serves as a beacon for aspiring martial artists, highlighting the profound impact of dedication and familial support in this lifelong pursuit.
Ms. Bardgett’s first class as a 6 year old!
