ChiricoÂ’s School of Karate Congratulates Newest Additions to its Black Belt Family
ChiricoÂ’s School of Karate, a well-respected local Carteret based martial arts school that teaches Okinawan karate the traditional way to young children, adolescents, teens and adults, has announced the advancement of five of their students
Carteret, NJ (PRWEB) March 22, 2005
Chirico’s School of Karate, a well-respected local Carteret based martial arts school that teaches Okinawan karate the traditional way to young children, adolescents, teens and adults, has announced the advancement of five of their students. Phil Hoffman (57) of Port Reading, Dan Anderson (48) of Fords, Bryan Marques (16) of Rahway, and Ashley Syjongtian (18) of Carteret have all been recently promoted to the rank of shodan (first degree black belt), while Samuel Syjongtian (12) of Carteret was honored with the rank of shodan - ho (junior black belt). After the promotions, Grand Master Ralph Chirico, owner and head instructor of Chirico’s School of Karate said, “They were all very well prepared. I had the utmost faith in them as they have been demonstrating in class sessions their well roundedness, versatility, and readiness to excel forward in their martial arts careers. Our dojo is very proud of them."
Hoffman had started his career in the martial arts after watching his two children, who are also black belts, excel in every aspect of life. Hoffman said,“ It took me several years too long of sitting on the side and observing, before I had joined the class. As a spectator, I did not realize how karate becomes a way of life. The martial arts have helped me maintain my physical, mental and emotional well being, as well as, gaining a greater sense of accomplishment. As a black belt, I hope to be able to make an impact on the students as sensei (Japanese for teacher) and the black belts have done for me. ” He has been training under the guidance of Grand Master Chirico for over ten years.
Anderson has started his training in the martial arts under Grand Master Chirico in 1976. Chirico said, “Between work and personal reasons, Anderson has had off and on periods of training. Like many of my students who take a break from karate practice, Anderson has found his way and returned to his martial arts home.” He thanks Chirico, the black belts and all the students for their support on his journey towards excellence. Anderson admits, “ this is one of my greatest achievements and one of my proudest moments, but I also understand my learning does not end here. “
Marques and Ashley Syjongtian have started their training at a young age in Chirico’s School of Karate’s junior class. Chirico said, “Bryan Marques and Ashley Syjongtian have not only demonstrated an exemplary performance of the martial arts, but also of their leadership skills. From the time, that they were brown belts in the junior class, we have been molding them for this very moment of promoting them to black belt.” Marques and Ashley have been training under Grand Master Chirico’s supervision for ten years.
Ashley’s brother, Samuel, is currently still training in the children’s class. However, he has taken every opportunity to gain and utilize new skills, knowledge and experiences by attending many adult classes. He had joined Chirico’s School of Karate at the young age of 4 years old and has been training for over eight years. When Samuel Syjongtian becomes of age to join the adult class, and when he proves he is worthy of putting a 1st degree black belt on, he will then be promoted to shodan. During his promotion Samuel thanked Chirico for everything, and he meant everything. “I truly believe I would not be the person I am today, without the guidance of Grand Master Ralph Chirico and his family of black belts,” said Samuel.
In order to be promoted, the new black belts had to pass a strenuous four - step test. Chirico proves there is more to the martial arts than just punching, kicking and blocking with his written test, the first stage. The new black belts were required to complete in 10 days a 73-question essay test on areas of history and philosophy.
They were then required to participate in a rigorous four to five hour physical test. The students were expected to demonstrate a broad array of techniques ranging from basic drilling and terminology, to more advanced hand-foot katas (forms), requirements for each grade level, and self-defense in front of a board of five high-ranking black belts.
The third step included teaching a class from the beginning to the end. This portion of the test proves that the students becoming black belt have gained self-confidence and leadership skills throughout their many years of training.
The final stage and most exciting stage of the test is to fight the black belts. Chirico says, “ This stage is not about winning and losing, it is a test to see how determined the prospective black belts are.”
“ I have witnessed an exemplary performance from all of them. They all should be proud of themselves as they had completed an excellent job in demonstrating the martial arts as a complete discipline of mind, body and spirit,” said Grand Master Chirico.
About ChiricoÂ’s School of Karate:
ChiricoÂ’s School of Karate is a Carteret based traditional martial arts school focused on providing students with a strong foundation to become champions not only in karate, but also in life. With over forty years of experience, Grand Master Ralph Chirico, accomplishes this goal by consistently providing the highest quality instruction and professionalism possible to his students of all ages. Besides teaching them the art of self-defense, the adult program helps men and women lead a more balanced, healthier life personally and professionally. Through a highly encouraging and supportive, yet challenging style, young students in the specialized childrenÂ’s class receive much needed development in respect, discipline and concentration which fosters outstanding academic achievement and positive relationships at home and in the community.
For more information please contact Grand Master Ralph Chirico via phone at 732-969-3533, or by email: chiricoskarate@yahoo. com. You may also view our website at www. chiricos. com
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