NORWAY – Three students from Maine Kyokushin Karate (MKK) were promoted to covenant rank of first degree black belt on June 28 at MKK Honbu (Headquarters).

Maine Kyokushin Karate is the only officially recognized Kyokushin Karate School in the state of Maine, and as such, all students are recognized at their current rank.

In the past, only black belts were recognized worldwide, but now all students are recognized as members of Kyokushin Karate.

Also, unlike some martial art disciplinesthere are no probationary black belts.

The Kyokushin World headquarters located in Japan realizes that many students start karate at an early age and work just as hard as adults do for their ranking and deserve the same rankings as adults. Both Alexander Petrovich and Daniel Ricker are 11 years old and will be eligible for the rank of second degree black belt when they have two years of time in rank.

Scott Withey also will be eligible in two years. Students must be at least 18 to hold the rank of third degree black belt.

The road to these students’ black belt test started back in January, when they were known as black belt candidates. They spent six grueling months of training with MKK Chief Instructor Marty Petrovich.

For their test they had to do 1,000 jumping jacks, 100 sit-ups, 50 push ups on their knuckles, 100 squats, 20 bo tobi’s (jumping back and forth over a three-foot stick), handstand for 60 second and walk on their hands.

They also were tested on their katas and finished their test with a ten person kumite (sparring session), which each passed with flying colors.

Some students and parents had doubts back in January if they would be able to pass all the requirements, but they were reassured by Marty Petrovich that given the right guidance and training, all would pass with no problem.

On Monday, only one full day after the test, all three of the new black belts were back training in the dojo.

If you are interested in any of the many programs offered at Maine Kyokushin Karate either in Norway or Lewiston, contact Marty Petrovich at 743-8801 or 890-6724.