I joined this dojo as a white belt in February 2001 at the same time my two 7-year old sons did. My husband joined a few months later, and it was one of the central foci of our lives for years. Since my other family members are no longer training, I have had to work a little harder to achieve balance among the most important parts of my life, namely family, birding, career, and karate. I fit it all in, in varying proportions, but birding tends to demand the most schedule-bending.

Pine Forest Karate/Northampton Ueshiro Karate has always offered a peaceful interlude after a busy day or a stressful week, whether I train with others or alone. This beautiful refuge overlooking the Mill River is unique in our system. It remains steadfastly the same, while the little river beneath its windows flows ever onward towards the Connecticut and wider adventures. It can offer you whatever you need from it, however often you need it.