When Aida Perez first walked into the Washington Karate Academy, she was a quiet, reserved 10 year old looking for a fun afternoon activity, a way to expel some energy.

Two years later, much has changed. Perez, now 12, is an outgoing, confident leader who has quickly become a mentor from some of Sensei David Warren’s young pupils. Last week, with the assistance of Warren and black belt Josh Chandler, Perez’s knowledge of karate was put to the test in a two-and-a-half-hour long exam, one she passed with flying colors. The end result was a green belt, the first of three major belt promotions at the academy.

“She’s become more assertive, developed more prowess and Josh even mentioned he’s seen improvement technique-wise,” Warren said on Monday, as Perez directed white belts through a series of different forms. “I can see that she shows more of a desire to be an assistive leader, more vocal and not so introverted. I think it’s what traditional martial arts teaches — to become a better person of society, a role model and to build confidence and self esteem in yourself.”

Her eyes locked on the wall mirror in front of her, Perez continued to energetically showcase multiple forms seamlessly, as those around her attempted to replicate her movement.

For an academy based on more traditional martial arts concepts, the road to a green belt isn’t easy, especially for younger students. Perez spent the last two years training alongside her peers, studying self-defense techniques, forms and different weapon uses.

The green-belt test, which took place last Thursday, forced Perez to apply everything she’s learned. She performed six katas (forms), two kubudo techniques (with weapons), 12 self-defense techniques that derive from the forms and a battery of other prearranged material. Perez also had to run a mile and spar with Chandler and black belt Greg Berry.

“When I was doing it, it was pretty difficult because there was some stuff I wasn’t used to,” Perez said on Monday. “It tired me out. Even though my toe hurt a little bit, I thought I still did pretty well.

“I’ve been working real hard on this and I always knew I could achieve it. And I finally did.”

Over the last year, Perez has competed in three out-of-town martial arts tournaments and placed in each of them, including first-place finishes at a karate showcase at East Carolina University and in Kinston.

But for Perez, the journey is hardly complete. She will now work towards earning three different brown stripes on her green belt, until she’s racked up enough experience to earn a full brown belt, joining fellow student Mike Crawford in that rank.

“She’s the right age, in my opinion, to be a green belt. It gives them much more time to grow,” Warren said.