WELCOME

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all who have come to see our Black
Presentation to share in the expression of effort and skill demonstrated by our students.
you to share in the joy of completion as they reach the first major level of martial arts.

INTRODUCTION
The instructors and staff and advanced students of the Martial Arts & Fitness Centers
dedicate their efforts toward physical, emotional and mental self-development. The men,
and children who pass through the doors leave with not only a better understanding of selfdefense
skills, but higher fitness levels, and better control of both positive and negative
They learn about themselves through gradual levels of planned adversity that makes them
tougher, more aware and ready to tackle even the most difficult tasks of life.

WHAT IS A BLACK BELT?
In Japan, a black belt is thought of as a serious beginner --- someone who has
base and is now ready to learn.
In America, we tend to think of all black belts as having the skill of Bruce Lee or
Norris, a master of mayhem ready to fight. At the Martial Arts & Fitness Centers, we take
Japanese approach.
Shodan means the first level of black belt. There are ten levels up to black belt
degrees of black belt. Shodan, first degree, denotes a graduation. New doors and possibilities
open for the student!
Frankly the height of physical skill ability lies somewhere, between
3rd and 5th degree. And this takes 12 to 20 years, and this makes us especially
proud of Jonathan Ertel, who started at age 7.
It takes between 6 to 9 years of constant training for good martial arts skills to develop,
students to make nidan.... second degree black belt. So special congrats go to Jonathan
Czerniak, a hard working student and teacher. He is a fine examples for other teens in the
and one of the youngest ever 2nd degrees.

HOW DO YOU GET A BLACK BELT?
Lessons that leave you sweating, smiling and sore two to three times per week
when preparing for testing; home training, getting together with friends in the martial arts,
seminars, tournaments, watching videos, reading books and then three to five years later
too could be a black belt!

.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
Shihan, Sensei and Sempai. The Shihan is the "dean", the Sensei is the 'Teacher"
and the Sempai is the senior student. They all push, inspire, demand, tutor and guide the
students through the rough spots. Senseis Ray Racinowski, Peter Zaenglein must be
heartily commended on all your efforts on behalf the Blasdell students. Senseis Jonathan
Ertel, Alex Robinson, Jason Maglich, Jessy Del Valle, must be heartily commended
on all your efforts on behalf the Elma students. .
Parents make the thousand trips back and forth to the dojo (training hall). They invest
the time and miles, and give up personal time with loved ones as they go off to train. Friends
give up time, too! Just in the last four months they logged hundreds of extra miles and hours!
Today, at this graduation, they all cheer, give support and are the wind beneath the wings
that soar! That is why they are invited here, to share in the rewards, in what they have already
shared as hardship and extra effort.
But it is the student who must take the ultimate responsibility for their own personal
development. They get hit, fall and have the wind knocked out of them --- and they are the ones
who have to keep getting up and coming back for more. So they should receive the biggest
cheers, the heartiest pats on the back!

OUR CANDIDATES 4th Degree
Jonathan Ertel
2nd Degree
Jonathan Czerniak
Shodan/ 2nd kyu
Lee Swaydis
Shodan / 1st Degree Black Belt
Tim Bialek Amine Khoury Chuck Kuznicki
Red Stripe Belt/ 1st kyu
Kristen Petrushesky Bill Sullivan
Brown Stripe Belt/ 2nd kyu
Elizabeth George
Brown Belt/ 3d Kyu
Mike Bauer Matthew Ferrara Michelle Ferrara William George Patrick Murphy
Advice to our New Black Belts
Humility and Gratitude are important qualities to foster in yourself, but difficult to remember
after great achievement. They prepare you to receive. And must come before further achievement.
Set goals immediately. Try new things. Demand higher levels of achievement. Be specific. Take
time to enjoy the fruits of your labors in the martial arts. Maintain what you have. Help others and take them
along with you on your journey.
Forge stronger bonds with your Sensei (teacher), Sempai (upper level classmates) and Kohai (lower
belts). In fact, this is a good time to develop stronger, lasting relationships with all around you.
Bill Adams, 7th degree Black Belt, Shihan
Director, Martial Arts & Fitness Centers
Autographs
Paul Blackmon & Amine Khoury
The Brown Belt Candidates

7:15 p.m. Introduction and Welcome--- Bill Adams
Introduction of Black and Brown Belt Candidates
Student Creed
Basics
2 Person Fight Routine --Lee S. & Amanda R..
Bo Bo Kumite Bill & Mike
Wansu- Kristen & Elizabeth
Self-defense - Sensei Dan & Matt
Kankusho- Sensei Jonathan Ertel
Sunsu- Chuck K & Tim B
2 Person Fight Routine -- Amin K & Sensei Jessy
Bo vs. Sai-- Kristen & Bill
Uchinan Nunchaku - Sensei Jonathan
2 Person Fight Routine --Chuck & Tim -
Chinto --- Sensei Dan C.
2 Person Fight Routine --Paul B. & Amin K.
Shi Shi Bo Kata Sensei Lee
Sai Drill- Michele, Patrick, & Matt
2 Person Fight Routine -- Amin K and Paul B
Breaking-- Selected Students
Sparring - All Students
8:30 p.m. Awarding of Belts, Black Belt Principles, Conclusion
Please feel free to stay for awhile, take pictures, spend time with the new Black Belts!
Black Belt Power!
Excellence in Action!