Sensei Richard, Elijah Browning, Jose Bautista, Sensei Cindy
Black Belt testing begins with the conditioning we do to start every class with pushups, crunches, and stretches. Loosen necks, shoulders, hips, backs, elbows, and wrists; 10 open hand pushups, 45 crunches (15 each with feet together, then toes together and heels apart, then butterfly), 20 fist pushups, 30 diagonal crunches (15 each side), 10 diamond pushups, 50 bicycle/50 thrust kicks with head and hands up, 10 (your choice hand position pushups), and 50 tricep pushups. Then the stretching part begins with left and then right lunges, feet flat side to side, feet toes up side to side, butterfly movements then push down with elbows, more butterfly movements then grabbing under the toes and pulling head down, quadricep stretches, hug knees, down the middle with toes up going left and right and back to middle, then Hip Healthy Splits, down the middle stretch and then up in fighting position.
The Black Belt candidates then demonstrate and explain how to properly do the techniques on the equipment. Force shields for the kicking techniques, focus mitts for the hand techniques, and coach bag for the fumi komi kicks (stomp kicks) and sweeps with take downs. Not all kicks, hand positions, or sweeps are shown in these pictures but are demonstrated and explained on how to properly execute.
There a lot of self defense techniques being demonstrated and explained as how to do correctly from getting out of the direction of force when being attacked or grabbed from the front or behind; being pulled; bear hugs, headlocks, being pushed up against the wall, and wrist manipulations. All techniques are demonstrated and explained by the candidates but not all are shown in the pictures we are showing at this time.
Self defense techniques against the stick/club, knife, or gun are explained and demonstrated. Not all of the defense techniques against each weapon are shown in this collection of pictures.
Next is the demonstrations on all matt work which includes how to fall properly, rolling out forward and backwards, slap outs backwards, forwards, sides, and defense when there is someone on top of you in many different ways and tackle attacks. Not all of the pictures displayed here show all of the techniques.
Then 14 kata are performed and these are listed on our Karate/Kobudo Syllabus page
The Shinai is a Kendo training tool. We use this tool to test the student’s mental strength. Sensei strikes the top of the forearms, front of the thighs, back of the thighs, and midsection. The student learns not to fear pain. physical and mental.
The Black Belt Candidates now spar all the students on the floor, beginning with the lowest rank and working up to the highest rank. The goal is to see the spirit of “Never give up” demonstrated. This is the sport application of sparring and not the self defense techniques that were demonstrated and explained earlier going to vital targets.
We award Shodan Elijah and Shodan Jose their Black Belts. They shake hands with each of the Black Belts on the floor. Then they put on their new Black Belt on one knee as is the tradition. We then celebrate with a toast with Chocolate Milk which happens to be the best restorative drink for you after a work out.
The students that could make the training in support of Shodan Elijah and Shodan Jose.
A picture of Shodan Elijah and Shodan Jose with the Black Belts that were present to support them.
Sensei Richard, Shodan Elijah, Shodan Jose, Sensei Cindy
Shodan Elijah with his brother, Isaiah
Shodan Jose with his sister, Dulce
Martha, Shodan Elijah, Robert, Isaiah, Bethy Browning
Grandmother Gloria, Isiais, Dad Juan, Shodan Jose, Dulce, Daniel, Mom Cynthia, Grandfather Jose Bautista. Isias and Daniel are Yellow Belts following in brother and sister’s footsteps.