Jess Bidlack

My martial arts experience started about 3 ½ years ago. I walked into White Dragons searching for something to keep my fat butt in shape, and I had no clue what I was about to discover. I started my training at White Dragons of Bushido doing cardio kickboxing. For those of you wondering what that is, it is basically an energetic, aerobic class on steroids. Anyway, I found myself addicted to this work out, and it was toning and shaping muscles in places I never knew existed. That is when Shihan approached me and asked if I would be interested in starting karate. At first, I was a little hesitant, because I was 18 years old, going to college, working full-time, and wasn't quite sure I could afford the lessons. However, curiosity soon took over, and I found myself putting my beautiful new truck up for sale, so I could be in a belt and uniform.

Since then, my life in general has been a complete blur, although I can tell you this: I received my black belt in December of 2000, and I am looking forward to achieving more. I have competed in a few tournaments, some out of state, some in state, lost some, won some, the same story as about anybody else. However, I have won something that I have found to be more valuable then anything I could have ever wished to obtain from karate, and that is friendship. I learn more everyday, whether it be directly related to martial arts or not. I have found that the dojo has an endless supply of knowledge, as well as drama. I would like to say thank you, to the people that have helped me the most, my family, my friends, my instructors; you all know who you are, thank you.

Well, for my personal interests it probably would be better to list what I don't like to do, but here goes. I enjoy the following: rock climbing, hiking, camping, sky diving, riding my motorcycle, boating, playing almost any sport, movies, working on cars, photography, and of course karate. I am currently enrolled at Weber State University trying to earn a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, with minors in Chemistry and Spanish.