owner receives 2nd degree honors On Saturday, April 12 at the USA Kyokushin Headquarters in Rochester, Sempai Larry Quaranto satisfied the requirements set forth by the International Federation of Karate (IFK) and was awarded the rank of Nidan (2nd degree black belt). In front of a nationally recognized panel led by Shihan Michael Monaco, Sempai Larry took a mental and physical four-hour test, which consisted of four main elements: Kihon (basic techniques); Kata & Syllabus (pre-arranged patterns against multiple attackers) where over 30 different patterns were run; Kumite (full contact fighting), where numerous opponents are faced consecutively; the testing concluded with Tamishawari (the art of breaking). Sempai Larry successfully broke a stack of five bricks with a descending elbow strike. Other local students testing were Trish Martin and Jared Fulcher from Hilton Kyokushin Karate, received 1st degree honors. Rene Cruz and Roman Herman from Kyokushin Karate Fitness in Rochester received 2nd degree honors. Sempai Larry owns and operates Holley Karate at 50 Public Square in downtown Holley where a traditional Japanese Kyokushin Karate developed by Grand Master Mass Oyama is practiced. Classes are held on Monday and Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. |
