Karen Ramstead’s years of hard work were rewarded last week when she was officially recognized as a first degree black belt in the Green Dragon Kung Fu Association.
During class at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex last Thursday, Ramstead was presented with a certificate signed by Grand Master Chan, the founder of the club who resides in Edmonton.
Ramstead’s journey to Kung Fu mastery began eight years ago when she signed up along with her son. Having already trained in tai chi for several years by that point, she was ready for the more intense physical challenge provided by the martial art.
“I’ve always tried to keep myself physically healthy. Once I started (studying kung fu) continuously, I built strength and stamina.”
Sifu Kevin Haines knew early on that Ramstead was a student who had the potential to go far as a student of kung fu, if she stuck with it.
“There’s no set time (for getting your black belt),” he said. “It takes as long it takes.”
Now Ramstead has reached that level, and she has already begun to give back by passing on her knowledge to new students.
“Now she’s helping other students attain that level.”
