07/04/2026
Dear Students, Parents, Family Members, Friends, and Loved Ones,
Happy Independence Day!
You are all greatly missed in the Dojo this day, and we look forward to seeing everyone again soon.
This Fourth of July is especially meaningful as our nation celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—a historic milestone in the life of the United States. As we commemorate this extraordinary occasion, I encourage each of us to pause and reflect on what this day truly represents. Let us remember the vision and courage of our Founding Fathers, the countless men and women who have defended our freedoms throughout the past 250 years, and all those who have made personal sacrifices so that future generations might enjoy the blessings of liberty.
Today is also a time to recognize the remarkable story of America—a nation built by people from every corner of the world. Generation after generation, immigrants arrived on these shores with hope, determination, and the dream of creating a better life for their children. Their courage, perseverance, and hard work helped shape the country we proudly call home.
This message carries special meaning for my own family. My parents, Tadeusz Folta and Anna Folta, together with my sister, Marika (Folta) Miles, are honored on the American Immigrant Wall of Honor at Ellis Island, where their names are permanently engraved in stone. Like millions of others, they came to America seeking opportunity and freedom, and I remain deeply grateful for the sacrifices they made that ultimately allowed me to live the American dream.
At Chantilly Family Martial Arts and the Okinawa Karate & Cultural Center, we are proud to represent families from many cultures, backgrounds, and traditions. Although our journeys may have begun in different places, we are united by shared values: respect, integrity, perseverance, responsibility, compassion, and service to others. These are not only martial arts principles—they are also among the qualities that continue to strengthen our nation.
May we never take for granted the freedoms we enjoy, and may we continue to work together to build communities where every individual is treated with dignity, kindness, and respect.
As written in the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
May God continue to bless our families, our community, those who serve and protect our nation, and the United States of America.
Happy 250th Anniversary of American Independence, and have a safe, joyful, and memorable Fourth of July!
HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAY!
CFMA–OKCC Staff
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With respect and appreciation,
Master Folta
Founder & Director
Chantilly Family Martial Arts
Okinawa Karate & Cultural Center
Academy of World Champion Nestor Folta
chantillyfamilymartialarts.com
Phone & Text: 703-628-4006
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChantillyFamilyMartialArts/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chantilly.family.martial.arts/
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This Independence Day holds special meaning for my family. I am honored to share the Ellis Island certificate recognizing my parents, Tadeusz and Anna Folta, and my sister, Marika (Folta) Miles, on the American Immigrant Wall of Honor. Their journey reminds me of the courage, hope, and determination shared by millions of immigrants who helped build our nation.
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