New 3rd Degree Black Belt

Aiden Uvanni just returned from his tour of duty to Antarctica on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter “Polar Star”, the United States’ only heavy icebreaker ship. As a dedicated student of our style for just over 19 years, his visit back home started with training.

On Monday Aiden’s training commenced with a one-and-a-half-hour workout and verbal presentation of some of the growth of our school since his departure. On Wednesday Aiden’s demonstration of physical aspects and techniques began at 11:00 am, and continued into training in our school’s traditional philosophy until 3:00 pm. In the evening he resumed physical training again at 5:30 pm, demonstrating katas, Seiza Wazas, Standing Wazas, plus Ippon Kumites and Hanza escape techniques until 10:00 pm.

On Thursday Aiden’s demonstrations included seated self-defense, advanced techniques, rifle, come-alongs, and gun and knife skills. This plus his training in regular classes and his demonstration of knowledge regarding the written exam questions brought him to the conclusion of the testing information needed for Third Dan Black Belt.

Although he did not know he was testing during this week of training, Aiden stayed positive and enthusiastic each day, demonstrating his sincere love of the martial arts and respect for how much true training demands.

Halfway into the adult class Thursday evening Aiden Uvanni was called to the front of the class and Grandmaster Crandall presented him with his third red tip for his belt, and congratulated him on passing his Black Belt, Third Dan test.

Congratulations to Aiden Uvanni and his instructor Master Freleigh.