Martial Arts Family Fitness, a family-owned and operated school dedicated to improving lives through martial arts, announced that Grandmaster Dave Wheaton will oversee the semi-annual black belt test and promotion in the art of Dynamic Circle Hapkido this Saturday at 11 a.m.
Testing for their first dan are seven adults, two teenagers and eight youth students. Additionally, one student will test for her third dan, four students will test for their second dan, and another 22 black belts will test for advancement within their current rank.
“This coming black belt test and promotion is one of the largest I have presided over,” said Grandmaster Dave Wheaton, founder and owner of Martial Arts Family Fitness. “Besides our new black belts and those promoting to a higher rank we also have a very impressive group of black belts testing for advancement within their current ranks.”
“Black belt tests as a very important and emotional event for our students,” added Master Melodee Meyer, co-owner of Martial Arts Family Fitness. “They train through a rigorous curriculum, and prepare for this day physically and mentally. For most of our black belts this day is the beginning of a life-long journey in the martial arts.”
To test for their black belt students must exhibit proficiency in various areas of study, including basics (hand strikes and kicks), self defense techniques, takes downs and throws, and sparring, including individual and multiple attacker scenarios. “Our students, adult and youth alike, train very hard for this special day,” added Grandmaster Wheaton. “In our school there is no difference in the black belt earned by an adult or youth student – all train exceptionally hard and earn their rank. As a black belt each student is encouraged to continue practicing and making the art their own. It is always a thrill to watch our students grow, and this is just one of the many days we celebrate their achievements.”
Testing for 3rd dan:
Makala Hieshima (15 years old)
Students testing for 2nd dan:
Alex Arshadi (12 years old)
Brandy Cordero
Aide Flores (17 years old)
Joseph Rodriguez (13 years old)Youth students testing for their first degree black belt are:
Eduardo Aramil (10 years old)
Jaden Baptista (10 years old)
Carter Beaudette (10 years old)
Josh Conroy (12 years old)
Tess Francavilla (14 years old)
Gage Heinze (9 years old)
Kovid Mishra (12 years old)
Bryan Moctezuma (9 years old)
Mario Pasini (9 years old)
Logan Taylor (13 years old)Adult students testing for their first degree black belt are:
Mari Baptista
Jennifer Deaderick
James Ebentier
Todd Elliott
Mateo Mercur
Cherilyn Milton
Sarah White
