08/08/2026
It is with heavy hearts that we share this news with you; Lakeville student, Andrea Stone, has gone into hospice care. Andrea was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) and her health is rapidly declining with no signs of getting better.
Once we realized the severity of her condition, and took into account her dedication to training before the diagnosis, it was decided that awarding her an Honorary Shodan was appropriate. There have been two other individuals in the UKAI that have been awarded Honorary Shodans with similar circumstances, but this is Lakeville’s first. We met with Thomas and Andrea today and awarded her the rank.
Below is what was read aloud to her and was printed on her certificate:
“An Honorary Shodan rank may be awarded to a karateka who develops a life-altering or life-ending illness or disability that makes it impossible to continue training. The individual must have been actively training prior to the onset of the condition and must have consistently demonstrated the attitude, spirit, passion, and dedication to karate expected of a first-degree black belt. Andrea Stone has met and exceeded these qualifications and is hereby awarded the rank of Shodan.
Andrea began her karate journey after watching her husband, Thomas, and her son, Nick, train. Inspired by their example, she decided to step onto the dojo floor herself and embraced the art with remarkable enthusiasm. She attended every class she could, often arriving early to train and staying afterward to observe the advanced class, participating whenever the opportunity arose. Andrea approached every class with the mindset of a lifelong student, always eager to learn, improve, and absorb as much knowledge as possible. She also generously supported others, frequently partnering with younger and lower-ranking students to help them succeed. Andrea truly embodied the principle of “Spirit first, technique second.” She approached every new technique with courage and determination, even when it challenged her. Rather than saying, “I can’t do that,” her response was almost always, “Sure, I’ll try!” Her willingness to embrace challenges, combined with her unwavering enthusiasm and perseverance, set an example for everyone around her. The ultimate goal of Shotokan Karate is the perfection of character. Andrea not only pursued that goal in her own life but also inspired and elevated those who trained alongside her. Her kindness, humility, perseverance, and indomitable spirit exemplify the values of our art and the qualities we seek in a black belt. It is with great pride and respect that we recognize Andrea Stone as an Honorary Shodan.”
Please keep Andrea and her family in your thoughts as they navigate this difficult time.
