Martial arts isn’t just something one can pick up in a month and master quickly, it takes grueling dedication and many years of extensive training to fully appreciate the techniques. Alumna Francesca Dellostrologo started practicing karate passionately at seven years old, going on to compete in rigorous state tournaments just one year later. Realizing her passion for competing and karate, Dellostrologo fought and proceeded to win two titles at world level.
Prior to attending Pembroke Pines Charter High School (PPCHS), Dellostrologo competed in state level tournaments called the Florida Black Belt Association (FBBA). Over the years, she was able to acquire eight state champion titles by middle school. After realizing how much potential she possessed, her coach decided at the mere age of 12 that Dellostrologo should compete in the big leagues. The league was called the North American Sport Karate Association(NASKA), which Dellostrolgo describes that “Within NASKA, there are about ten tournaments that you compete in, and they [range] all over the United States.”
The first tournament took place in Chicago, where Dellostrologo competed at a black belt level. Eventually, she made it to Canada, which held the final tournament to decide who would come out victorious. However, her constant winning at state level didn’t transfer to NASKA: “It was really rough, considering I used to win a lot at state level. When I hit nationals, I was losing all the time, and it was just very difficult.”
On top of that, Francesca was nearing 18, meaning she had to deal with missing school due to extensive traveling across North America for her competitions. If that wasn’t enough, Dellostrologo had to register with adults to continue competing in the NASKA. The competition was now twice as good with everyone being black belts and having trained for most of their life, adding to her stress.
Most people at this point would have just called it quits and hung in the towel. Luckily for Dellostrologo, she had strong motivation to keep pushing forward. “I knew if I didn’t shoot for the stars, or in my case shoot for the world champion title, I was ultimately letting myself down, and my parents down.” With her parents supporting her financially and emotionally, Dollostrologo made the decision that she would never quit. And her change in attitude changed something else too.
After countless hours of training, getting beaten and returning to her feet, her pattern started to shift. Now officially 18 and in the adult level, Dellostrologo began to earn victory after victory, in turn gaining her winning streak back. Eventually that put her in Toronto, Canada with the chance to win numerous world titles. After fighting in her last tournament of the season, Dellostrologo “was able to secure two world titles there in creative forms and creative weapons.”
Dellostrologo credited much of her karate success and making it to worlds Charter. Now, PPCHS doesn’t have any karate classes or clubs, but that didn’t stop different teachers from leaving lasting impacts on Francesca. “My teachers were very lenient when it came to assignments, they would let me make things up later if I missed the day because of a karate tournament. Administration also helped a lot when it came to excusing my absences.”
After she won the two world championships, Dellostrologo decided to retire from competing and focus on college. For any person wanting to pursue karate as well, she stated how there are many different forms of karate. Once you find the style you like, branch out into it. To progress, one can’t just take the elevator to black belt. It’s a long journey, but if you keep pushing, if you take each flight of stairs, before you know it you’ll be at the top.
