Six students from Genbu-Kai Karate recently tested and advanced to their first 10th kyu (level) ranking — a journey that will take them at least four years, before being potentially invited to test for their first black belt level.
Most traditional Japanese martial art dojo (schools) start ranking at either 10th or ninth kyu and progress through to first kyu. Time between ranks slows down as the student advances. This is to make sure the students not only retain and comprehend the physical requirements of their training, but also the mental aspects, including improvement in maturity levels.
Today, martial arts schools offer a variety of color belts to denote different rankings. Typically, white, yellow and orange belts denote beginner students; purple and green belts denote intermediates; and blue, brown and red denote advanced students. Usually, stripes are added either within the belt itself, or as tips on the end of the belts for additional kyu ranking. In Genbu-Kai schools, red belts are reserved for junior black belts (7 to 12) because these students typically do not achieve the required maturity levels, as required for adult students.
Genbu-Kai Karate teaches traditional Shito-Ryu Karate, and not only emphasizes self defense, but also incorporates methods in preventing bullying either at school or other social encounters. Most important, Genbu-Kai Karate teaches valuable life skills that students learn to incorporate into their school, family and social lives.
Genbu-Kai is a traditional Japanese martial arts school located at 13889 Wellington Trace, Suite A-21, in the Wellington Marketplace. All ages are welcome to come in and try one complimentary week. For more information, call (561) 804-1002 or visit the Genbu-Kai web site at www.floridagenbukai.com.
Above: (Front row, L-R) Lucas de Guardiola, Weston Clark and Vanessa Tavera; (middle row) instructor Brent Bedwell, Chief Instructor Sensei Keith Moore and instructor Catherine Mazzella; (back row) Oscar Carranza, Mike Taplin and Charles Vlahos.
