Group photo following the 2016 IKKU Black Belt Test From L to R: Ricardo McManus, Renshi Shihan Nadine Oka, Soke Joe Ruiz, Sensei Jim McCarthy and Renshi Sensei Bart Peterson
The 2016 IKKU Kotosu-Ha Shito-Ryu Black Belt Test was conducted this past Saturday, October 8 in Duluth, GA. at Keishin Karate Kai. There were 4 participants on the floor being tested for various dan rank. There were approximately 25 observers including members of the IKKU High Dan Board overseeing the test. Soke Joe Ruiz was personally on the floor conducting the test with Hanshi Ron Downton always in close proximity.
Basics, Omotes, Kata, Bunkai and Education were all a part of the testing criteria for the participants. Participants drilled together in groups and also performed individually to allow more focus on each person. Kata Bunkai, naturally was performed against live attackers. Renshi Shihan Nadine Oka performed Bunkai of Gojushiho Kata in it’s entirety and brought a round of applause upon completion of her interpretation.
A special congratulations goes out to all the IKKU Members that tested during the Annual 2016 IKKU Kotosu-Ha Shito-Ryu Black Belt Test. As you are all aware it’s not an easy feat preparing for a Black Belt exam. Not to mention the pressure while testing while in front of Soke Ruiz, 10th Dan and the IKKU High Dan Board. Regardless of life’s circumstances and training pressures, these Karateka came through with flying colors.
2017 will offer up a new batch of potential candidates for the Annual Event. So our advice is to get in the Dojo and Work Hard! You could be Next on the Floor!
Osu!
IKKU Kotosu-Ha Shito-Ryu Promotions:
Nadine Oka was promoted to Godan and awarded the Renshi Shihan Title. Nadine Oka studies directly under Chief Instructor Kyoshi-Sei Larry Griffin of Keishin Karate Kai located in Duluth, GA.
Bart Peterson was promoted to Yondan and awarded the Renshi Sensei Title. Bart Peterson studies directly under Chief Instructor Kyoshi-Sei Larry Griffin of Keishin Karate Kai located in Duluth, GA.
Jim McCarthy was promoted to Nidan and awarded the Sensei Title. Jim McCarthy studies directly under Chief Instructor Hanshi Ron Downton of Tora Shin Kata Kai located in Social Circle, GA.
Ricardo McManus was promoted to Shodan Black Belt. Ricardo McManus studies under Shihan Dai Chief Instructor Mark Howard of Carolina Karate Kai Kai located in North, Augusta, SC.
Renshi Shihan Nadine Oka receiving her Godan Menjo
Sensei Jim McCarthy receiving his Nidan Menjo
Renshi Sensei Bart Peterson receiving his Yondan Menjo
Ricardo McManus receiving his Shodan Menjo