In Cloetesville, a quiet movement is taking root; one built on discipline, respect and family unity.
The Karate-Zen Cloetesville teams have long believed that every strong student stands on the shoulders of a supportive parent. During the most recent grading on Thursday 2 October the dojo celebrated more than skill and promotion, but also celebrated the parents behind the belts.
“They are the ones who make sure uniforms are washed, children are on time, and minds are ready. They sit through long sessions, encourage through doubt, and teach by example that growth takes patience,” explained dojo leader Garfield Bergstedt.
“Their involvement is shaping leader children – young people who carry humility, focus, and empathy from the dojo into the community.”
One parent, in particular, encapsulates what true learning looks like. Tersia September trains alongside her son, Taylor. They both started at white belt, ungraded, side by side, in the same class of juniors.
There are no other senior white belts at the local dojo, yet she stands among the children, fully focused, respectful and committed.
Bergstedt said her humility brought him to tears. “In all my years in martial arts, I have never seen such quiet dedication – a mother learning with her child, bowing together, growing together. It reminded me that karate is not about the belt around your waist, but about the spirit within your heart.”
Parents like Tersia embody what Karate-Zen Cloetesville strives for – families learning together, growth through humility, leadership through service, and community upliftment through shared discipline.
“We as instructors provide the fertile environment and tools, but it is the parents who make the soil rich. To all our parents – ‘thank you’. You are the unseen teachers behind every bow, every breath, and every act of courage.”
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