Review: Caitlin+ Clary

Dear Shotokan Families, Although many of you do not know my face, you may know my name and voice. For just over a year now, I’ve been blessed to have had the opportunity to have been brought onto the SKLS team during one of the most difficult times our city, nation, and world has faced. Sensei Callahan took me on and employed me with one goal for the school, and that is to see it survive this pandemic. His drive to continue to be a place where children can grow in strength of character and become prepared to face the new world we seemed to have been given, with leadership, integrity, and a leader’s voice, has never wavered. Being a vested part of what happens behind the scenes at the school has been very eye opening. The daily grit, effort, devotion, and sacrifice that was and is shown by Sensei, and the servitude of Billy, Sam, and Josh during this time, were evidence of the care for humanity we strive to exemplify in our school. They never gave up on the school, they never gave up on you, and during my short time here, neither did I. If this year has taught us anything, it’s that the only thing in life that is always the same is that everything always changes. Which leads me to the purpose behind this letter. With a humble and grateful heart, my family and I have been given the incredible opportunity to own a business in the field of expertise my husband has been gifted. While our family leaving the school is necessary for the future success of this new journey in our lives, it is with a heavy heart that we must say good-bye. Shotokan Karate Leadership School will always hold a special place in our hearts, as we witnessed our three teenagers train here for more than two years. Being some of the oldest on the floor with nary a martial arts skill initially, they were welcomed, encouraged, and when necessary, appropriately pushed to stretch beyond their comfort zones and rise to the caliber their senseis saw in them. In turn, they’ve had the opportunity to help instruct many of your children and I will remember fondly witnessing them grow into this special and coveted role as assistant instructors. It is my hope that each of your children find within themselves their own gift to offer the world as they strive to find what that is, barefoot on the mat, with joy and determination. We know we will hear much of what Shotokan Karate Leadership School will continue to do in the community and will always feel blessed that we held a small part of that legacy. Our family’s last day is July 25th. I look forward to serving you all until then. Sincerest Regards, Caitlin Clary (Roger, Chase, Aislinn, and Brooklyn) Communications Director Shotokan Karate Leadership School