Four students from Genbu-Kai Karate in Wellington recently tested and advanced to their first 10th kyu (level) ranking. One student trains at the main school and the other three are students at the Royal Palm Beach High School adult education program.
Their journey, if they choose to continue, will take a minimum of at least four years, before being potentially invited to test for their first black belt level. Most traditional martial art schools start ranking at either 10th or ninth kyu and progress through 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 (ages 7-12) because these students typically do not achieve the required maturity levels, as required for adult students.
Genbu-Kai Karate not only emphasizes self-defense, but also incorporates methods in preventing bullying either at school or other social encounters. Most importantly, Genbu-Kai Karate teaches valuable life skills, which students learn to incorporate in their school, family and social lives. Conveniently located next to the Wellington movie theater, Genbu-Kai Karate offers traditional Japanese martial arts. All ages are welcome to come in and try one complimentary week.
For more information, call (561) 804-1002 or visit www.floridagenbukai.com.
 ABOVE: (Front row, L-R): Drew Novack, Brianna McCalla, Alex Jones and Joshua McCalla; (back row) Chief Instructor Sensei Keith Moore and instructor Brent Bedwell.
