Our Black Belt, or Crane Program, is for students that want to go beyond learning martial arts. They continuing studying and refining their art. Find out more information about all of our programs.

Third Degree Black Belts

Jordyn Dodson, Third Dan, Glenelg High School, Spirit Animal – Peregrine Falcon

Jordyn has been training since she was 4 years old. Her unwavering fervor and dedication to the sport have remained constant. Additionally, Jordyn was recognized as the AAU Female Point Sparring Athlete of the Year, a testament to her prowess in the black belt discipline. Jordyn’s favorite thing about karate is that you are constantly learning no matter how long you’ve been training, even in the crane program! You can always get better.

Julia Harman, Third Dan, Linganore High School, Spirit Animal – Arctic Wolf  

Julia frequently assists fellow students and demonstrates a willingness to share her expertise. Her relaxed disposition and warm smile helps put other students at ease. Julia has been on the AAU National Points Sparring Team for four years and has been Grand Champion for Points Sparring the past two years. Learning and growing as a person while having fun with her friends is Julia’s favorite thing about karate. She loves the black belt, crane program at HiYa Karate.

Second Degree Black Belts

 Jake Buratowski, Second Dan, Linganore High School, Spirit Animal – Dragonfly

Jake has been studying karate for several years, having started at the age of 3. Jake has developed his own distinctive approach to karate, allowing his unique personality to shine through his practice. Jake loves learning about weapons and  new forms as a black belt and the history behind them.

Trista Christiansen, Second Dan, South Carrol High School, Spirit Animal – Koala  

Trista has been training in martial arts for over a decade, and her dedication has yielded a remarkable evolution of self-assurance, molding her into the capable young woman she is today. Sparring is Trista’s favorite thing about the Crane Program. She loves that it helps sharpen her mind and relaxes her.

Zach Hersch, Second Dan, Linganore High School, Spirit Animal – Rhino

Zach has been practicing karate for several years. He exhibits exceptional focus and a drive for excellence in class, swiftly mastering new concepts and consistently delivering his best effort. Zach’s passion is learning and executing grabbing defense.

Nathanial Morris, Second Dan, Frederick County Community College

Nathanial has been studying martial arts since he was young. As a martial artist today, he demonstrates a strong commitment to his training and willingly shares his knowledge with others. Nathaniel loves karate because he can learn about the art through katas and practice. He also feels like it is a privilege to be able to teach other and help them find their techniques.

Gavin Zaiter, Second Dan, Linganore High School, Spirit Animal – Bison

Training for several years, Gavin is a dedicated student and valued member of our competition team. Gavin’s commitment to excellence earned him his varsity letter in Taekwondo in 2024. Gavin’s easy-going personality makes him a friend to all in the dojo. Gavin says learning and working on one-steps because is a fun way to practice self-defense.

First Degree Black Belts

Katherine Derby, First Dan, James Madison University

Katherine has been practicing martial arts for over five years. She says her favorite karate memory was when she was walking in Food Lion before karate class in her full Gi. A five year old boy came up to her in the store and said look mom there is a Ninja and now she is a Black Belt!

Madeline Harman, First Dan, New Market Middle School

Maddie starting training in martial arts at five years old. She was a shy, timid girl on the mats, but she has since blossomed into a confident and fierce young lady in the Black Belt or Crane Program. Known for her welcoming personality, Maddie is particularly warm and inviting towards new teammates and students. Maddie loves celebrating after competitions.

Wesley Nutter, First Dan, Mt. Airy Middle School

Training since he was 5, Wes has undergone remarkable transformations, marked by a significant boost in confidence now that he is a black belt. He is on the competition team and competes in forms, sparring and weapons. While Wes is dedicated to his training in the dojo and on the mats, he also enjoys having fun outside of the dojo. The competition team and earning his first gold medal for sparring is one of Wes’ favorite memories!

Annabelle Shirley, First Dan, Middle School 

As a long-time dedicated student in our Panda Program, Annabelle embodies a leadership role among her peers through her warm personality and diligent work ethic. Annabelle loves learning forms and uses funny words and sounds to remember the moves.

If you are interested in learning more about HiYa Karate, try two classes for free.