The Hattatsu Ryu Yudanshakai takes great pride in welcoming its newest inductees after one of the most exciting Black Belt tests we have ever witnessed. Heidi Lyndaker, Andrew Wagoner, Kate James, Matt Healy and Kevin Mulvehill put it all on the line on August 14th as they demonstrated all their talents during a four-hour test. The candidates performed group kata (forms), individual kata, all waza (techniques), nage waza, (throws), katame waza (grappling), and goshin jitsu (self-defense) from both empty handed and armed attackers. They finished off with kumite (sparring) against their classmates then with each other.

Although words could never do justice to the immense sense of pride and gratitude we have for these students, suffice to say we are honored to have them as students and friends. We wish them all the best as their training continues. They know that although attaining a Black Belt in Hattatsu Ryu Karate shows they have an excellent understanding of their concepts and skills, it is a beginning to much more.

Please join us in congratulating them when you see them. Stop, bow and let them know how happy you are to have them in your life. We certainly are!