I hope you guys up at Purdue don't mind terribly, but I'd like to take a moment to talk about how awesome you are.
I had the wonderful opportunity of training with the Purdue Challenge Karate Club during my fall semester in 2005. Entering the semester two weeks late after having been evacuated from New Orleans was quite an experience. Though I was very out of my element at first, the karate club welcomed me with open arms. Charles Sensei in particular was indescribably kind. When I showed up to my first day of training I didn't have a gi or belt because I had lost mine in the flood. On the second day I showed up, Charles had a gi and bran new black belt laid out for me. It was at Purdue that I first learned jion, first lost my shoe in the snow, first rode a sled down a hill... and the second time I passed out from blood loss (and before you think it, NO that was not during training!). When I found out I had to leave due to financial constraints, it was rather devastating. I still have the nail clipper/pocket knife engraved with my name and PCKC, a parting gift from Charles Sensei. Though I was only able to spend a semester there, my memories of the wonderful people and experiences will last a life time.
I may not be the most eloquent person, but I think it's safe to say that everyone who met Charles in his time on this earth was touched by his commitment both to karate and to the members of Purdue Challenge dojo.
To those in the West Lafayette IN area who are interested in training, I would highly recommend this dojo full of kind and enthusiastic karateka.
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