Rising Sun Martial Arts

Traditional Okinawan Karate

Tag: promotions

  • Fall 2019 Black Belt Promotions

    Black Belt promotions were held at Rising Sun Martial Arts in Newport on Saturday, October 25th.  Calla Baker of Newport, George Dube of Goshen, Amelia Gallup of Sunapee and Jett Larrimore of Lempster were recognized for their years of study and outstanding performances on their recent evaluations.

    By international standard, one cannot be considered a full Black Belt until the age of sixteen.  Junior Black Belt levels (denoted by a colored stripe running the length of the belt) allow younger students who have reached this level to continue progressing in the arts.  Calla Baker, age 13, was awarded her 4th Level Junior Black Belt.  Baker has been training since 2009 and has been both a Divisional and Double-Crown State Champion on the Twin State Martial Arts Association tournament circuit.  She also holds 1st Level Black Belt in Kobudo (traditional weapons) and the teaching title of Sempai (Assistant Instructor).

    When a Junior Black Belt reaches the age of sixteen, he or she is eligible to test for the equivalent level of Adult Black Belt.  The level of adult grade that a student transitions to is based on their Junior Black Belt level, their total class hours and years of training, the curriculum material they have mastered, and their overall growth and maturity.  Based on these criteria, George Dube was promoted to 3rd Level Black Belt.  He has been training in karate since 2013 and is a Triple-Crown State Champion on the Twin State tournament circuit.  He also holds 1st Level Black Belt in Kobudo (traditional weapons) and the teaching title of Sempai (Assistant Instructor).

    Many consider Black Belt to be the pinnacle of martial arts achievement.  In a traditional school, it is the beginning of a lifelong journey – everything before that is simply “getting ready.”  There are ten levels, or “degrees”, of Black Belt.  Having started karate in 2014, Jett Larrimore was promoted to 1st Level Black Belt.

    The title of “Sensei” means “instructor.”  To become a licensed karate instructor at Rising Sun Martial Arts, a student must complete a two-year teaching apprenticeship and a three-year assistantship.  Amelia Gallup earned the title of Sensei in 2012.  At the recent ceremony, she was promoted to the teaching grade of Renshi (Senior Instructor).  Gallup, who has been training since 2002, is the first person to earn this title at Rising Sun Martial Arts.  She has been a Twin State Champion twice and has competed across the US in such places as Pennsylvania, New Mexico and California.  Gallup has been named a Competitor of the Year for 2018 by the International Karate Kobudo Federation.

    Students testing for their first level of Black Belt are asked to write a Black Belt Essay, reflecting on their years of training.  Jett Larrimore concluded his thus: “Rising Sun Martial Arts, and the study of Goju ryu Karate-do, has been an integral part of my journey into adulthood.  In the half-decade I’ve been part of this community, I’ve made friends and matured as an individual.  I’ve learned the true value of focus and respect, and I’ve gained confidence in myself and my capabilities.  As a Black Belt, I am part of a centuries-old lineage.  The knowledge of our discipline is passed down from teacher to student, with each progressive generation seeking to educate and encourage the next.  It is my duty, and my honor, to join this line, so that one day I may be to a Kohai (younger student) what my instructors were to me.”


    (l-r) Jett Larrimore, Sempai Calla Baker and Sempai George Dube were honored at a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 25th, in which they received their next levels of Black Belt.









    • Renshi Amelia Gallup (left), having been unable to attend the ceremony on Oct. 25th, was surprised with a promotion to Senior Instructor on Saturday, Nov. 9th.  Gallup is shown with her instructor, Hanshi Brent Baker.

  • Recent Promotions

    Congratulations to those students who passed their rank evaluations on Friday night, July 24, 2015!

    Tyrese V. earned his Blue Belt; the first of the intermediate levels.  Lilija C., and Keith and Keegan S. earned their Yellow Belts.

    (l-r) Keith S., Ty V., Lilija C., Keegan S. were all promoted after a successful rank test on Friday evening.
    (l-r) Keith S., Ty V., Lilija C., Keegan S. were all promoted after a successful rank test on Friday evening.

    Rank testing is conducted each month for those students who qualify – meaning that they meet minimum class hour requirements and display positive attitude, good effort, and quality technique.  Belts are not gifts – any belt worn by students in our dojo has been earned.

    The sequence of belts in our dojo is as follows:

    • White Belt
    • Purple Belt
    • Yellow Belt
    • Orange Belt
    • Blue Belt
    • Green Belt with 1 Brown Stripe
    • Green Belt with 2 Brown Stripes
    • Green Belt with 3 Brown Stripes
    • Brown Belt with 1 Black Stripe
    • Brown Belt with 2 Black Stripes
    • Brown Belt with 3 Black Stripes
    • Black Belt

  • Congratulations, New Kobudo Black Belts!

    Two students tested for the level of Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) in Kobudo (traditional weapons) at the International Karate Kobudo Federation’s 31st Annual Training, July 10-12, 2015.

    Shidoin Timothy Cunningham and Sempai John Cunningham were evaluated for rank on Friday evening, after a six-hour seminar.  The young men were required to demonstrate eight different kata (forms), across four different weapons (bo, tunfa, sai, and nunchaku).  They were then expected to perform bunkai for a kata of their choice.  The term “bunkai” means “analysis” – the testing candidate is expected to study his/her kata and develop a reasonable idea of how the techniques within the form could be applied in a self-defense situation, and then demonstrate his/her analysis against a partner.  For their bunkai kata, Tim selected the kata Odo no Nunchaku and John chose the kata Ko Bo.

    (l-r) Sempai John Cunningham, Sensei Amelia Gallup, Shidoin Timothy Cunningham at the IKKF Annual Training Banquet. Tim and John are holding their Shodan rank certificates.

     

    On Saturday evening, at the Annual Banquet, Tim and John were promoted to the level of Shodan by Hanshi C. Bruce Heilman, the president of the IKKF.  They received their official rank certificates and a patch for their Black Belts to indicate their status in Kobudo.

    (l-r) Shidoin Tim Cunningham, Hanshi C. Bruce Heilman, Hanshi Ann-Marie Heilman.
    (l-r) Shidoin Tim Cunningham, Hanshi C. Bruce Heilman, Hanshi Ann-Marie Heilman.

    (l-r) Sempai John Cunningham, Hanshi C. Bruce Heilman, Hanshi Ann-Marie Heilman.
    (l-r) Sempai John Cunningham, Hanshi C. Bruce Heilman, Hanshi Ann-Marie Heilman.

    Both Tim and John have been leaders in our dojo, often teaching on both karate and kobudo.  They are both athletes, honor-roll students, and excellent role models for the lower ranks.  We are very proud of them both!

    Congratulations, Tim and John!!