Aug 14, 2022

Written By Evan Bloom

Physical test as a component of the overall black belt test.

After grueling test, 11 students awarded their new karate blackbelts

FAYETTEVILLE, NY. – August 14, 2022 – The largest group of karatekas (karate students) in Onondaga County, NY have graduated with karate’s coveted black belt from the Lawrence World Class Karate dojo. This is also the karate school’s largest group of karate students to have received their black belts since the Covid pandemic began more than two years ago. The karate school, based in Fayetteville, NY, is the only one in Central New York specializing in traditional Japanese Shotokan and Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate Systems.

11 students between the ages of 15 to 75 spent a demanding two days of testing for fitness and endurance, Kubudo (weapon systems) competency, Kumite, a controlled, competitive fight using basic techniques delivered with "empty hands," and Kata (choreographed set pattern of movements) capabilities. They were also tested for their knowledge of Bunkai, the theoretical knowledge of various moves making up each kata.

 Three students were awarded their black belts for the first time. One received their 2nd degree, one their 3rd degree, two their 4th degree, two their 5th degree, and two their 6th degree.

Hanshi (Master) Rande Lawrence, head teacher at Lawrence World Class Karate said, “This was by no means an easy test for our students, and they spent many tough and challenging weeks getting ready for it. Going through a blackbelt test is an exceptional experience. I am especially proud of their hard work, focus and determination to pass a challenging two days that was not for the faint of heart!”

Matthew Taylor-Netzband, one of the students who received his 4th degree black belt said, “There was a great spirit of unity amongst all the students testing. We were put under pressure and pushed to our limit on a mental and physical level. All the months of hard work definitely paid off.”

Due to the seniority of the karatekas being tested, Hanshi Greg Tearney, Hanshi Judy Tearney, Shihan Andy Boucounis and Shihan James Coker were invited to act as both the board of examiners and guests of Lawrence World Class Karate.

A blackbelt degree is also referred to as a ‘dan’ or grade and it reflects a student’s overall competency. The blackbelt karate test process is broken into three sections. On day one, the entire group went through a three-hour challenging and stamina-focused fitness test. Some of the things that students had to do included keeping their arms extended horizontal to the floor for a minimum of nine minutes, five circuits each of 30 jumping jacks, pushups, sit-ups, leg extensions and more. Day two included the Kata, Kubudo, Kimite, and Bunkai sections. Students were expected to flawlessly demonstrate up to 45 katas depending on what black belt level they were being tested for. Seven of the katas involved using traditional weapons.

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 Press contact:

Evan Bloom

Fortress Strategic Communications

www.fortresscomms.com

evan@fortresscomms.com

(315)744-4912