09/20/2026
A Lifetime of Dedication — Congratulations, Hanshi Robin Sullivan
Today my heart is so full.
It is with joy and pride that I congratulate my mother on receiving her 10th Degree Black Belt and the title of Hanshi / Grandmaster in Sullivan's American Kenpo.
This is so much more than a belt. This is a lifetime.
From being a World Champion on the mat, to running tournaments for years that brought our community together, to decades of early mornings and late nights teaching — this has been her life's work. And the life's work she and Senior Grand Master Hanshi Larry Sullivan have built together.
Together, they didn't just build one school — they built an entire organization. A family of schools throughout New England. USA Karate is bigger than any one location because of the foundation they laid and the leaders they raised.
For so many of us, she has been so much more than an instructor. She has been a mentor, a second mother, a protector, and the heart of it all. She has guided hundreds of students — from tiny white belts who could barely tie their own belt, to black belts, to fellow school owners who are honored to carry her teachings into our own schools across New England.
To fellow school owners — we know what it took to get here. We are all a part of her legacy.
And to Senior Grand Master Hanshi Larry Sullivan — thank you. Thank you for remaining our Senior Grand Master, our leader, and for sharing this incredible journey with her. Your partnership has built this family, and we are so grateful for your continued leadership.
To run USA Karate Rehoboth under both of your guidance and to be appointed Soke Dai is the greatest honor of my life. Everything I know about being a martial artist, a teacher, and a leader, I learned from watching you both.
Mom — Hanshi — Congratulations. You have earned every bit of this. You will serve alongside Senior Grand Master Sullivan with equal authority to lead our system into the future, and there is no one more deserving.
We love you, we honor you, and we will continue to make you both proud.
Forever your student and your daughter,
Melissa
