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JULY 2009

Karate News
by Wanda Alvarez

The Month of June was very exciting at the Excel Martial Arts School.  We are still celebrating the students who tested for their black belts in May like Zack Stafford.  His family wanted to share with readers that Zachary began taking Tang Soo Do at the age of six with the Plymouth Park and Recreation Department.  He now is almost thirteen years old.  It’s amazing how time flies!  Zachary is among the first group of children to progress through Master D/Amato’s ranks from white belt to Sho-Dan and we are very proud of his accomplishments.  We are also proud of the patience and effort that Zachary has shown.  Karate has opened his eyes to the value of hard work and dedication.  Master D’Amato has always been a respected role model for our son.  Overall it’s been a very positive experience for the whole family.  His little brother Ben is a blue belt and we are sure that his little brother Christian will follow in their foot steps.  We would like to extend our gratitude to Master D’Amato for all his hard work and guidance, and wish all the new black belts good luck at the Excel tournament!

Speaking of the tournament, students at the Excel Martial Arts School did very well in the June tournament.  George Andrews, Falisia Murphy and Wanda Alvarez won the Grand Champion prizes in their respective categories.  Good job to all the competitors.

There were also two gradings in June at the Excel Martial Arts School.  The following students graded for the next belt level on June 19^th: 

Karate Kids class White Stripe Belts – Wyatt Keegan, Brianna Denski, Blake Sanford, Adam Spencer and Rakim Grant; Orange Belt students – Rahsan Grant, Amanda Gendron, Zachary Cook and Alex McCarvill; Blue Belt students – Myah Vigeant and Mickey Spencer; Green Belt Students – Alex Folmsbee, Mr. Jonah, Cara Andrews and Emmilena Russo; Red Belt students – Connor Radcliff, Kyle Folmsbee, Jillian Mazon, Stefanie Thibodeau, Mr. Jacob and Stephen Alvarez;  Apprentice Black Belt students – Mr. Jared, Antoine Charest and Falisia Murphy; Adult students – Jill Russo, Rich Poinatale, Leah McCarvill, Mary Ann Poinatale and Brian Denski. 

Congratulations to all the students for their hard work and dedication.

The other grading in June was in the Self Defense class of Kajukido.  Pictured are: Thomas Hopko, Ian Ross, Lou Longo, Wanda Alvarez, Christine Iris, Alexis Cordone, Jacqui Denski, Amanda Cordon, Jon Denski, John Cordon, Juliana Longo, Brock Sanford, Olivia Longo, Sebastian Alvarez & Master D’Amato.  The families at the Excel Martial Arts School would like to congratulate these students on their promotion and wish them the best in their studies.