- Life's not about how hard of a hit you can give...It's about how many you can take, and still keep moving forward.
- The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.
- Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality that guarantees all others.
- The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of character of its participants.
- Concentration is the secret of strength
- If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.
What Does it Take to Become a Black Belt?
An individual who has earned an ISKF Black Belt has demonstrated the necessary dedication to the art and is now competent in the principles and basic techniques of Shotokan karate. A student who trains regularly 3 times a week can earn a Black Belt in 4 to 5 years. Very dedicated students can earn a Black Belt in less time but a karate master will say that wisdom is gained one step at a time over many years. Children can also achieve this level but they are considered junior Black Belts until they reach the age of 16.
A student who has passed the rigorous black belt exam is awarded the level of Shodan (1st degree Black Belt) and is now considered a serious student. Higher levels of black belt can be achieved as a student continues to train hard and improve their skill level. Although there are ten levels the time it takes to achieve each level increases. It can take over twenty years just to obtain the level of Godan (5th degree Black Belt). The highest levels such as 9th and 10th degree are reserved for the leader of the organization.
David D.Nidan 2nd degree
J. Dixon January/2019
Richard L.Yondan 3rd degree
Yaguchi December/2018
Rheiley L.Shodan 1st degree
J. Dixon June/2017
David D.Shodan 1st degree
H. Okazaki December/2016
Nathan A.Shodan 1st degree
H. Okazaki May/2016
Paul G.Shodan 1st degree
H. Okazaki May/2016
Danny L.Nidan 2nd degree
H. Okazaki May/2016
Keith K.Shodan 1st degree
H. Okazaki December/2016
Mike C.Rokudan 6th degree
Yaguchi March/2015
Bill N.Shodan 1st degree
Loreth July/2014
Chris S.Shodan 1st degree
Yaguchi July/2013
Abigail B.Shodan 1st degree
Yaguchi July/2012
Yuri B.Nidan 2nd degree
Yaguchi July/2012
Sam B.Nidan 2nd degree
Yaguchi July/2012
Tielee M.Shodan 1st degree
Yaguchi December 2010
Jonathan M.Sandan 3rd degree
Yaguchi December 2009
Wendy L.Shodan 1st degree
Yaguchi March/2009
Carla B.Sandan 3rd degree
Yaguchi November/2007
Brian M.Shodan 1st degree
Yaguchi April/2002
Susan D.Shodan 1st degree
Cline March 2011
Jim N.Shodan 1st degree
Yaguchi December/2004
Laurie V.Nidan 2nd degree
Okazak October/2003
Anne M.Shodan 1st degree
Okazaki July/2001
Bill W.Shodan 1st degree
Yaguchi April/2002
Tyner G.Shodan 1st degree
Okazaki September/2000