Springfield Karatedo Budokai

09/24/2026

09/13/2026

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09/13/2026

09/13/2026

09/05/2026

My martial arts path began in 1981. Back then, I had no idea how much karate would become a part of who I am or where those first steps would eventually lead.

On September 3, 1995, after a 5.5-hour test under the watchful eyes of our teachers and mentors, my twin brother Darvin and I tied on our Black Belts for the first time.

That was 31 years ago.

Looking back, I understand more than ever that earning a Black Belt wasn’t a finish line. It was a commitment. A responsibility to keep training, keep learning, honor those who taught us, and pass along what was given to us.

Over these 31 years, there have been countless hours of training, lessons learned the hard way, friendships that have lasted decades, students who became part of our lives, and teachers whose influence is still felt every time we step onto the training floor.

Karate has given us far more than we could have imagined when we started. And after all these years, there is still more to learn and more to share.

September 3, 1995 will always be a special day for Darvin and me. But the Black Belt was earned once. What it represents has to be lived every day.

09/05/2026

Sensei Phillip Koeppel Muncie, 2005. Seminar hosted by Mr. Bill Bowling.