Emily Syzdek

RANK:
Brown belt, Assistant Instructor

MEMBER SINCE:
Training since April 2000

MARTIAL ARTS HISTORY:
Sempai Emily started Taikenju-Ryu martial arts in April of 2000. She progressed very quickly to become an outstanding student and was promoted to the rank of Sempai Go-Kyu (blue belt) in July of 2000 on her birthday. Her training took a slight halt when she broke her ankle that month and was held back from progressing quickly. She continued her training throughout her injury and was back on course for her next testing under Shihan Ronald Bennett in January of 2001. Sempai Emily continues her training from North Carolina where she is currently a Freshman at Elon University. She hopes to test for her black belt soon under Shihan Bennett and Sensei Bill. "Taking martial arts has always been something I wanted to do," says Emily "I love it, and Sensei Bill is the best instructor. He knows so much and always wants to share his knowledge with his students."

ABOUT ME:
Sempai Emily is currently a student at Elon University where she is studying International Studies and Political Science. She hopes to one day because a Diplomat for the united states in Italy. She is looking forward to coming back to Philadelphia for the summer to teach and spend time with the students. "I love teaching, it's something that I look forward to every day" notes Emily. "I just love to watch my student bloom into martial artists. It gives me a sense of pride to know that they have learned something from me. That I have been an influence in their lives."