Renshi Shihan Barbara Hughes, Soke Joseph Ruiz, and Sensei Steve Carbo after the promotion ceremony
The 2017 IKKU KotoSu-Ha Shito-Ryu Black Belt Test was conducted on Saturday, October 8, 2017, in Social Circle, GA. at Tora Shin Karate Kai. There were 2 outstanding participants on the floor being tested for dan rank this time around. There were approximately 30 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 group formation and also performed individually to allow more focus on each person. Kata Bunkai naturally was performed against live attackers. Renshi Shihan Barbara Hughes performed Bunkai of Gojushiho Kata in its entirety and brought a round of applause upon completion of her interpretation.
A special congratulation goes out to the IKKU Members that tested during the Annual 2017 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, especially with only 2 participants on the floor. And let’s not 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.
2018 will offer up a new batch of potential candidates for the Annual Event. So our advice is to get to the Dojo and Work Hard! You could be Next on the Floor!
Osu!
IKKU Kotosu-Ha Shito-Ryu Promotions:
Barbara Hughes was promoted to Godan and awarded a Renshi Shihan Title. Barbara Hughes studies directly under Chief Instructor Kyoshi-Sei Larry Griffin of Keishin Karate Kai located in Duluth, GA.
Steve Carbo was promoted to Nidan and awarded a Sensei Title. Steve Carbo studies directly under Chief Instructor Shihan Dai Michael Hoffman of Kita Kaze Karate Kai located in Buford, GA.
Additional IKKU Information:
Don’t forget our next upcoming event which is the 2018 IKKU Winter Camp. The event is scheduled January 12 – 14, 2018, in Carrollton, GA, hosted by Robinson Karate Dojo.
For information about joining the IKKU – International Karate Kobudo Union then please visit our IKKU Registration Page. We welcome new members to our organization and have 6-10 scheduled events each year. This will allow you direct access to Soke Joseph Ruiz, founder of the IKKU and other High Dan Instructors from the IKKU.
For a full listing of upcoming scheduled sessions please visit our Events Page. Here we showcase our upcoming Clinics, Camps and other opportunities for engagement with the IKKU.