Two members of Holley Karate's Black Belt staff, Sempai Sondra Aman and Sempai Mary Gifaldi satisfied the requirements set forth by the International Federation of Kyokushin Karate (IFKK) and were awarded the rank of Nidan, second degree black belt. Before a nationally recognized panel led by Shihan Michael Monaco, they endured a four hour mental and physical test, which consisted of four elements: (basic techniques); pre-arranged patterns against multiple attackers; full contact sparring, where numerous opponents are faced consecutively. The testing concluded with Tamishawari, the art of breaking. Both successfully broke a stack of three bricks with a stomp kick. Other local students testing were Todd Chapman from Hilton Kyokushin Karate, Laurie Farber and Carol Farro from Rochester Kyokushin Karate Fitness USA, all received 1st degree honors. Nicki Matice, Rochester, and Matt Sarkisian from Endicott, Kyokushin Karate received second degree honors. Greg Stokeli, Rochester, received 5th degree honors. |
