SHELBY — Students, families and community members gathered recently for the Music Academy of Karate & Empowerment Summer Camp, an event focused on martial arts training, discipline, character development and community connection.

Campers had the opportunity to train under four martial arts leaders: Grandmaster Cullen of Findlay, Grandmaster Molinaro of New York, MAKE’s Grandmaster Music and Sensei James Zellner.

The instructors provided students with hands-on instruction, new techniques and insights drawn from years of experience.

Throughout the camp, students worked on physical and mental development while focusing on seven core values: focus, respect, perseverance, integrity, courtesy, self-control and indomitable spirit.

A key portion of the event featured black belt instructors sharing their personal karate journeys, discussing how the discipline impacted their lives and reflecting on favorite memories.

During the opening bow-in, MAKE Sensei Reneta Music expressed her emotion before sharing her personal story with the participants.

“I started karate when I threw a roundhouse kick on a bag, and my brother’s instructor said, ‘Nice kick.’ My brother said, ‘Girls can’t do karate,’ and my dad told me girls can do everything boys can do—and better,” Music said.

“I have spent my entire life proving my dad was right. Until now. This school is about every student who walks through the door. I want everyone to better themselves and become the leader they are meant to be,” she added.

MAKE is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is based at 44 W. Fourth St. in downtown Mansfield.

Student Awards and Recognitions

Several students received recognition for demonstrating core values during the camp:

  • Perseverance Award: Colin Hall
  • Integrity Award: Kayden Harris
  • Indomitable Spirit Award: Zachary Ballengee
  • Courtesy Award: Aiden Jefferson
  • Self-Control Award: Theo Flanders

Additionally, Xeniya Osborne was named the July Student of the Month, and Dillon Campbell received the August Student of the Month honor.

The camp’s highest recognition, Student of the Year, was awarded to Brayden Mason for his hard work, dedication and leadership.

Community Activities, Training and Support

Following the instructional portion, two members of the band 2 Minutes Till Dawn performed live music. The band is scheduled to perform at the Richland County Fair on Aug. 11 at 7 p.m.

Attendees participated in outdoor activities at the Music family pond, including swimming, fishing and socializing, followed by a catered dinner from DLX.

The camp concluded with weapons-training sessions where students learned bo staff techniques and, under supervision, used real swords to cut through water bottles to practice concentration, control and precision.

A silent auction featuring items donated by downtown businesses raised $1,225 to support the program.

MAKE extended appreciation to its sponsors, donors and community supporters, including the Lions Club, Cleveland Financial Group, Charles Haun, DLX, the Noon Optimist Club, the Richland County Foundation, Warren Rupp, Culligan Water, downtown businesses, grandmasters, black belts, students, families, musicians and volunteers.

(Below are submitted photos from the MAKE Summer Camp event.)