Photographer Benjamin Perlin pursues a number of active interests in his free time. A karate practitioner, Benjamin Perlin is a candidate to receive his black belt.

Karate has the potential to improve physical health and mental well-being for individuals of all ages. It improves a practitioner's muscle mass and tone, which in turn boosts metabolism and supports a healthy weight. Meanwhile, as a cardiovascular activity, karate helps to strengthen the heart and improve overall physical endurance.

To achieve the physical benefits of karate, the practitioner must also learn to discipline his or her mind. Focus is necessary to attend to mechanics and form, the improvement of which is essential to progress. Karate challenges each practitioner to work toward the next level of achievement, and this goal-oriented work helps practitioners improve not only concentration but also a sense of the self as competent and capable.

As students progress within the art of karate, they also gain appreciation of its values. They learn to be present in the dojo, respect the other students in the space, and embrace the cultural norms of the practice. In doing so, they prepare themselves to be full participants in a global society.