Martial Arts Family Fitness (MAFF), a family-owned and operated school dedicated to improving lives through martial arts, announced today that Master Dave Wheaton awarded black belts to seven students in the art of Dynamic Circle Hapkido. The black belts were awarded after the test at the Santa Barbara school’s facility on Saturday.
“It is with great enthusiasm that we announce this very deserving group of students,” said Dave Wheaton, founder and owner of Martial Arts Family Fitness. “These men, women and youth have worked hard for this amazing accomplishment. This past Saturday was a very special day for them and their families.”
“This class of black belts has two men, two women and three youth students,” added Melodee Meyer, co-owner of Martial Arts Family Fitness. “Our students must demonstrate their knowledge of a very rigorous curriculum, and prepare both physically and mentally for this achievement. One of the things that sets us apart from many schools is that there is no difference between the black belt earned by an adult or youth student.”
The students that earned black belts are:
Kasper Allison
Helena Boelke
Seanna Fernandez
Ted McElwee
Meredith Medland
James Otto
Deanna Ybarra
In order to test for their black belt students must demonstrate the expected level for their rank of black belt candidate in various areas of study, including basics (hand strikes and kicks), self defense techniques, takes downs and throw forms, and sparring, including individual and multiple attacker scenarios. They are also measured on their ability to demonstrate the school tenets which make up more than fifty percent of the test. The tenets include Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit. “The black belt, for many of our students, is a beginning of a life-long journey,” added Mr. Wheaton. “As a black belt each student is encouraged to continue practicing and learning their art.”
