Some members of the Triangle’s very active martial arts community will put their many hours of studies and practice to the test today.
The youths and adults are going to be tested for black belt ranking during an open house and black belt promotion ceremony being held 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Karate International of Durham.
Visitors are welcome to watch and can register to win door prizes or to take a free introductory karate class. Parents’ bank accounts can get a break, too: During the open house, registration for the Kids Kicking Karate Summer Camp will be discounted, according to a news release from a Karate International representative. The camp is for ages 6-15.
Among the students performing before a panel of black belt holders is 10-year-old Annie Chen. The petite and quick karate phenom is the youngest student to be tested for second-degree black belt in the 30 years the Durham school has existed.
Chen and the rest of the youths and adults who study under Hanshi Jessie Bowen, a ninth-degree black belt and martial arts world champion, must demonstrate their mastery of the techniques and principles of karate. In addition to demonstrating five breaking techniques – yes, breaking concrete and wooden blocks! - and karate teaching skills, students have been evaluated on personal characteristics such as self-discipline, attitude and confidence.
Directions: Karate International of Durham is near Dickey's Barbecue in the Indigo shopping center at the intersection of U.S. 15-501 and Mount Moriah Road. For your GPS device, the address is 5324 New Hope Commons Drive, Suite 304, Durham. For more information, call 919-489-6100 or go to the website.
Report your own recreational sports news on the free community edition of Play!
Or post a photo of your team or an outstanding individual competitor.
You'll also find an extensive Play! calendar of tryouts, tournaments, camps, clinics and events, including the Triangle's many running events.
Looking for a team or league? Try the Guide to Triangle Recreational Sports.
Does your team need equipment or donations, or do you have equipment or facility time to donate? Check out the Play! Exchange.
- Teri Boggess
