MANSFIELD — Energy filled the Music Academy of Karate & Empowerment on Saturday, Jan. 3, as the downtown dojo hosted its first belt promotion of the year.
The event marked a triple celebration, featuring student testing, a birthday recognition for the academy’s founder and the announcement of the first Student of the Month for 2026.
Grandmaster Gary Music, a 10th-degree black belt and founder of the Shurite Kempo system, led the testing and instruction, sharing decades of experience with students. His lessons emphasized technical skill and the principles of life protection central to Shurite Kempo.
“Having Grandmaster Music on the mats is always a transformative experience for the students,” said Executive Director Sensei Reneta Music. “His teaching reminds us that karate is a lifelong journey of both physical strength and mental resilience.”
Family and friends watched from the sidelines at the academy’s 44 W. Fourth St. location as students demonstrated kata, or forms, and participated in controlled sparring. Instructors teach students to maintain “no emotion” while sparring, a skill they say can also be applied in challenging real-life situations.
Following the testing, students and families surprised Sensei Reneta Music with a birthday celebration, honoring her role in founding the nonprofit academy to ensure karate remains accessible to Mansfield residents.
The event concluded with the presentation of the Student of the Month award to Xavier, who was recognized for his focus, perseverance and integrity. Instructors cited his technical improvement and leadership among peers as reasons for the selection.
The Music Academy of Karate & Empowerment is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering traditional karate, strength training and empowerment programs for students of all ages. More information is available at musickarate.org or by calling 419-405-5711.