WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON | PHOTO COURTESY MICHELLE ROWE
Dreams of A Black Belt President Big dreams start with little steps on a path of self-discovery, and this month’s cool kid is well on her way to achieving those goals. Meet President C.J. Rowe or rather future President, a determined 14-yearold middle schooler from Oroville. In accordance with her goal of becoming such an important part of our nation’s government, she loves American history and says it’s probably her favorite class at Stream Charter School. “It focuses on the history of our country, and we cover the constitution, which I’m really interested in.” Next year, she’ll be attending Las Plumas High School and is planning on taking all honors classes along with an automotive class as her elective, which she is very excited about. In addition to being a straight-A student, C.J. is working towards her black belt in Shorin Ryu Shorinkan Karate. She’s been training formally for the past three years but says that it’s always been part of her life. “My dad had always wanted to do karate since he was a little kid and ever since I was little, he would always take me to Kyoshu Pat Haley’s place in Chico. So, it’s always been there, but when the [family] Dojo first started is when I really got into karate.” C.J.’s father, Wayne, is sensei at Ro Kazoku Karate. 62
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When asked what she loves about martial arts, C.J. says, “Everything! I love being taught, and I love teaching it. I’ve been taught so much, and it’s time to give back.” C.J. had helped and provided minor teaching in past years, but now has a designated class where she instructs 7–12- year-olds at Ro Kazoku Karate. When asked if she has any advice for others looking to get into karate she says, “Do it now. Karate is a lifelong journey and it’s harder on your body as you get older, especially when you get up to 5th and 6th degree black belts.” Regarding challenges with karate, she says with a grin, "There is one minor minus, you get sore.” C.J. hopes to travel to Okinawa, Japan someday to see the place where her style of karate began. That dream could very well tie into her career plans. She wants to be a U.S. Marine and work either as a drill instructor or teach hand to hand combat to the troops. After serving her twenty years, maybe with some time in Okinawa, she wants to be President of the United States of America. C.J. says of her future plans, “They may seem radical now, but they will happen.” With that type of grit and determination, C.J. Rowe can do just about anything.
