Congratulations to our newly promoted youth and adult black belts -- they all brought a winning attitude and a strong fighting spirit!
Saturday July 1st, 2017 was one of the biggest black belt exams we have had in a long time. We are proud of you all!
Adult Examinees:
Dan Hardgrove Nidan (Provisional 2nd Degree Black Belt) *
Irene Nunez Nidan (Provisional 2nd Degree Black Belt) *
David Voiles Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)
Tim Richmond Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)
Jeff Bruce Shodan Ho (Provisional 1st Degree Black Belt) *
Don Marrolli Shodan Ho (Provisional 1st Degree Black Belt) *
Laura St. Martin Shodan Ho (Provisional 1st Degree Black Belt) *
Michael Chesnier 2nd kyu Brown Belt
* Tested in June 2017
Youth Examinees:
Abby Pellitteri Youth Black Belt
Jason Chen Youth Black Belt
Jasmine Tran Youth Black Belt
Benjamin Lekpor Youth Black Belt
Clarissa Lekpor Youth Black Belt
Devin Voiles 1st Kyu Brown
Most of the above youth started training with USKL when they were between ages 6 and 8 years of age, they are now in their mid-teens. Their commitment to this dojo is a testament to our instructors and our Shotokan karate training program. Thank you to all the parents for your trust, believing in me, and allowing us to mentor your children.
A huge thank you to all examination board members: Senseis David Blair, Ty Aponte, Mike Whiteside, James Augur, Tom Heyman, Lynn Aponte, Leo Shortle, with assistance by: Christie Vella Kramer, Amin Leiman, and Adrian Vera. Another special thank you to all of our senseis and sempais for their help in the process of preparing each member candidate for their exam.
To all new Black Belts: I will be asking you to submit a written assignment to complete your Black Belt Examination. Once this written assignment is received, I can award you your diploma. Also, remember your promotion fees: Adult Black Belt = $150.00, Youth Black Belt = $125.00. A black belt embroidered with your name in Japanese will be made for you.
Never give up on the idea, goal or dream of becoming a black belt.
“Karate success can be summed up in three words...Begin and Continue. However, when the inevitable doubts as to whether or not you will be successful in reaching your goal come up, just remind yourself that giving up on your goal guarantees failure. Persistence, on the other hand, will lead you to your desired result. If you are steadfast in the value of reaching your goal, then giving up will never be a viable option.”
Sensei Paul Walker
A black belt is not what you become it is what you are.
“A thousand days of training to develop, ten thousand days of training to polish.”
The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
