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Health & Fitness

Eleven Year-old Bridge Valley Elementary School Student Strikes a Black Belt in Karate

After five years of hard work and determination, eleven year-old Isabella Stass of Furlong, Pa., has earned the honorable distinction of a Black Belt in Karate.  Isabella, a 5th grader at Bridge Valley Elementary School was awarded her Black Belt at a ceremony at Central Bucks East High School on March 22, 2014.

Isabella, also known as Bella, is a student at East West Karate in Warminster, Pa. “I chose to pursue a Black Belt because I wanted to learn about self-defense. Not only did I learn self-defense I learned so much more! I learned about being healthy physically and mentally and how to become a true leader,” said Bella.  She added, “Becoming a Black Belt has taught me about respect, commitment, and perseverance.” Bella aspires to one day become a sensei and share with others the love and commitment for karate that she has worked so hard to achieve.

Her Sensei Joe Weber remarked at how unusual it is for a child Bella’s age to reach the Black Belt level. “Bella has been training with me for over five years and has grown into an outstanding young lady. Her dedication to upholding the standard of "Black Belt Excellence" inside and outside of the dojo is highly commendable! At the young age of eleven, she is a fine example of a Black Belt Champion!”

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Bella will continue her karate training and aspires to attain the highest level of black belt.

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