Local Black Belt Promotions

PROVIDED
Black Belt promotions were held at Rising Sun Martial Arts in Newport on Saturday, November 19th. Brandon Dombroski of Newport, Amelia Gallup and Alison Walsh of Sunapee, and Regan and Jeremy Ruggeri of Unity were recognized for their years of study and outstanding performances on their recent evaluations. In addition, Lynne Clough of Newport was recognized for her efforts in teaching karate. 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 stage to continue progressing in the arts. Jeremy Ruggeri, 11, was awarded his 1st Level Junior Black Belt; Regan Ruggeri, 13, received her 3rd Level Junior Black Belt, and Brandon Dombroski, 14, was awarded his 5th Level Junior Black Belt. Earning a Black Belt is like earning a high school diploma – it is a notable achievement and many end their formal education there. For the more dedicated practitioners, however, this is just the beginning. There are ten levels, or “degrees”, of Black Belt – the first few levels having both a probationary level and a fully licensed level. Alison Walsh was promoted from probationary to fully licensed 1st Degree Black Belt. Amelia Gallup, who has been a tournament champion at the local, regional and international levels, was promoted to 5th Degree Black Belt – a school record. Ms. Gallup has been training in karate for over 20 years. Also recognized at Saturday’s ceremony was Lynne Clough, who was appointed to the teaching grade of Shidoin (Apprentice Instructor). Individuals wishing to earn a Sensei (instructor) license must first complete a two-year apprenticeship (Shidoin) and a three-year assistantship (Sempai). Ms. Ruggeri and Mrs. Walsh currently hold the title of Shidoin, Mr. Dombroski holds the title of Sempai, and Ms. Gallup holds the title of Renshi (Senior Instructor). Students testing for their first level of Black Belt are asked to write a Black Belt Essay, reflecting on their years of training. In each his essay, Jeremy reflects on his journey to Black Belt: “Black Belts have to pass many ranks to get where they are. They learn to be better people because of all their knowledge and training. A Black Belt would help kids that have just started. I am a better person because of my training to be a Black Belt.”