Date: December 2nd-3rd, 2022
Place: Greenfield Park, Quebec, Canada
Organizer: Canada Branch (Branch Chief Alain Bordeleau & Normand Bordeleau)
On Friday December 2nd, four karatekas from the Greenfield Park Dojo and one karateka from the Longueuil Dojo, began their Dan grading by performing their katas: Theodore Kassimatis for his 3rd Dan, Hakim Bendkia, Carolle Thomas, Nadej Hachemi, from the Greenfield Park Dojo and Sami Benali from the Longueuil Dojo for their 1st Dan. The test started at 8:00 pm and ended at 10:00 pm. The five karatekas were well prepared and executed their katas with precision and energy.
The belt examination continued Saturday December 3rd with a rigorous and demanding training; cardiovascular training, push-ups, sit-ups, blocks, various sequences of kicks, blocks, and upper body attacks, which was then followed by the breaking with the hands and feet. Finally, the combat portion was also challenging, but the students did their best and succeeded. More than 85 karatekas, parents and friends attended the event to encourage the candidates. Theodore Kassimatis completed 30 combats for his 3rd Dan, Hakim Bendkia, Carolle Thomas, Nadej Hachemi and Sami Benali completed 15 combats. At the end of the day, everybody was exhausted but happy and proud. What more is there to say, only that the five karatekas surpassed themselves and were able to demonstrate their perseverance and courage. We are very proud of their accomplishment.
Please note: We would also like to mention that Sensei Christine Jagucki, from the Greenfield Park Dojo, Sensei Marie-Josée Tremblay from the Longueuil Dojo, Sensei Christian Ouellet, and Sempai Frédérick Roy, from the Stanstead Dojo, were also present at the Black belt grading exam.
