New student senior Reily Mendenhall has a national title in karate.

“The board of directors from each of the regions of the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) set up a panel on the edge of the rings,” Mendenhall said. “One of the direct students of the creator of ISKF was the head judge.”

Mendenhall received first place in “Kumite,” or sparing, at the ISKF National Championship in Alaska last September. He beat an entire division of black belts to get this rank.

“I am currently training to test for my first degree black belt in April,” Mendenhall said. “It is very complex and difficult to master any of these forms.”

Although Mendenhall was awarded a national title at this Championship, he was mainly focused on something else.

“I was not worried about winning or losing; I cared more about making new friends and meeting new people,” Mendenhall said.