KARATE-DO: BLACK BELT EXAM
AMERICAN SCHOOL AND
OKAYAMA KARATE-DO
On June 29, 2002 the American School Gym provided the
setting for an advanced exam in the Japanese martial art discipline,
karate-do. Among those being examined for their qualification
to receive the level of Sho dan, or black belt, in karate-do were six American School
students who had begun their practice of karate seven years
ago, through the ASF After School Program in conjunction with
Clubes Okayama Karate-do. After a grueling exam, which
lasted nearly three hours, Sami Atri, Moises Mestre, Janko and
Bruno Monterrubio, Laura Castro, and Tom Stephens were awarded
their black belt in a ceremony presided over by Dr. Sergio Robles,
Director of Clubes Okayama. The exam was directed by Prof.
Blas Flores, who first instructed this group of karatekas when
they began their practice in the ECC Gym seven years ago. These
students join Caitlin Stephens, who in June 2000 became the
first ASF student to receive a black belt through the After
School Program's affiliation with Okayama.
These
young karatekas have traveled a demanding course of study and
practice, which included participation in karate tournaments,
passing previous karate exams to qualify for this last test,
and the writing of a professional length thesis on topics related
to the philosophy and practice of this ancient discipline and
its contemporary applications in their lives. Their final test
of stamina came when each student had to perform Sanchin, an exercise that requires absolute concentration and physical resistance.
Our ASF students were among the recipients of the highest grades
for the exam. Many congratulations to them for their hard
work, consistency and dedication to their practice. The
After School Program continues to offer karate and these seven
ASF students are an inspiration to those who are following them
in the practice of karate. The karate program demonstrates
the successful collaboration among our staff, our students and
Clubes Okayama Karate-do.
