The High Dans are seen here graciously receiving the IKKU Promotion Tradition – A Gut Punch from every camp participant
Summer Camp typically holds surprises for us all and the IKKU 30th Anniversary Summer Camp served up several during the week long events. On Wednesday, June 8, 2016 Soke Joseph Ruiz started our annual summer camp off with a huge bang by promoting 3 high dans in front of the camp participants. He followed with another one at the Friday night June 10 training session.
At the higher level dan ranks belt promotions slow down because of the amount of time, knowledge and expertise needed in order to make each successful step to the next. For some of these high dans it’s sometimes 6-10 yrs between rank promotions. It’s not uncommon to see karateka at the higher level dan ranks that have invested 30-50+ yrs into their respective art, and our art of Kotosu-Ha Shito-Ryu is certainly no different.
Very few Karateka make it to the rank that these individuals have achieved. This higher level Dan Rank gives us all inspiration and drive to further knowledge and continue along the path. So a huge congratulation goes out to our high dans that were promoted during camp this year. All well deserved. OSU!
High Dan Rank Promotions:
Steve Pruett was promoted to 7th Dan with the Title of Kyoshi
Kim Blue was promoted to 7th Dan with the Title of Kyoshi
Mike Downton was promoted to 6th Dan with the Title of Shihan Dai
Mark Howard was promoted to 6th Dan with the Title of Shihan Dai
Kyoshi Kim Blue displaying his Menjo from Soke Ruiz
Kyoshi Steve Pruett displaying his Menjo from Soke Ruiz
Shihan Dai Mark Howard with Soke Ruiz displaying the Hawaiian Shaka Symbol which means “Hang Loose” or “Right On”
Shihan Dai Mike Downton receiving his Menjo from Soke Ruiz