Recent Black Belt Rank Promotions

On Saturday, May 8th 2010, Kyoshi Sid Rayford had the pleasure of having two more students join the Black Belt ranks.  First Degree Black Belts were awarded to Sensei Corey Martin and Sensei Cody Costa (Jr. Black Belt).  This was a 3 1/2 hour exam that covered many aspects of Shorin-Ryu, as well as having a few surprises along the way.   Katas and complexes were executed on the opposite side of normal (hontai) some were executed from the end back to the beginning.  The examiners, Renshi Charlie Meder and Renshi Alfredo Guerra did an outstanding job of getting the students to bring out their best for the test.

Good Job Shorin-Ryu Warriors!

Photo Below Taken Immediately following the Black Belt Portion and Conclusion of the Exam

Corey Martin (nearest) and Cody Costa working complexes during this phase of the exam.

Cody Costa working Kusanku Dai Kata.

Corey Martin finishing Gojushiho Kata.

Kyoshi Sid Rayford going around and checking the integrity of the examinee's stances.

Sensei Cody Costa posing with Kyoshi Sid and Examiners Renshi Alfredo Guerra and Renshi Charlie Meder shortly after receiving his new rank.

Corey Martin during the beginning of Kusanku Sho Kata.

Corey and Cody working hard and blazing through one of the many techniques under the watchful eye of Renshi Alfredo Guerra.

Cody Costa on the beginning of Gojushiho Kata.