Rachel Mohler: A Young Woman of Discipline

When Rachel Mohler was 13, her younger brother Adam was learning karate at ATA Black Belt Academy in North Canton, and she was intrigued. Five years later, this senior, the daughter of Joyce and David Mohler, is a third-degree black belt on track to become an instructor. 

Joyce initially encouraged Rachel to learn karate for self-defense, but it became a way of life, boosting her self-confidence and providing countless benefits.

“Over time, I saw Rachel’s confidence grow,” Joyce said. “It also helped her with concentration, as she learned to do board breaks.”

“Anyone can be good at some aspect of karate,” Rachel said.

Though Rachel has never been much into the “competition” aspect of karate, she did earn awards when she was younger. She describes herself as “reserved” but enjoys the personal discipline.    

Karate has taught Rachel about honor and responsibility.

“In karate, you have to answer up to your instructors, saying, ‘Yes, sir,’ or ‘Yes, ma’am,’” Rachel said. “You are taught to honor your instructors, parents, elders and friends. You also have to practice your form at home or they will know. You don’t want to look silly.” 

The discipline involved in karate and taekwondo helped Rachel to set goals and see them to completion.  Rachel’s early goals were memorizing form and working on better balance techniques, but in time, she graduated to her first belt and moved through the levels.  When she earned her green belt (the 5^th belt), she began to believe she could actually become a black belt. 

“Most people don’t get into this for the short run. You have to commit to it over time.”  

That discipline will carry over next year when she studies nursing at . 

“I know I can get that degree,” Rachel said. 

Rachel credits karate with giving her a clear mind, helping her work through problems and making her “mentally strong.”

Her instructor, Derrick Howryla, says Rachel is “a really good example of what we do here. She started young and came up through the program, and now she volunteers as an assistant instructor a few days a week. Taking someone from a white belt to that point is definitely a nice feeling ... to see that come to fruition.”

Rachel says teaching has made her a much better martial artist because “when you teach something, you learn it more in depth.”

Rachel’s parents are proud of her accomplishments. What advice would they offer to other parents? Know what your child is interested in and offer choices, guiding them by limiting the choices ahead of time.

Joyce is glad karate has been a part of their lives. Rachel does well with her studies, and she doesn’t need to be reminded to do homework or get ready for karate.

“Though Rachel was always a self-motivated child, karate reinforced that in her.”