On February 25th, 2012, Martial Arts America–Coronado awarded fifteen black belts to deserving athletes. This event, which stretched over three hours, was an incredible display of strength and skills that these people had developed over their training. Before the exam, Piper Axtell, 15, said “I’m feeling confident about this grading because I have been training for five years. The senseis have prepared us very well – they care about our success.”
The examination was judged by three distinguished martial artists. Miko Peled is the chief instructor and owner of Martial Arts America. He is a sixth degree black belt. Mel Pralgo is a guest sensei and is also a sixth degree black belt. David Adams is a sensei and third degree black belt.
The new black belts are split into three categories. Adult black belts are for those over eighteen years old. These include: Alexandra Axtell, Kayleigh Axtell,
Enrique Guinea, Ranaan Naftalovich, and Eitan Peled. A junior black belt, for ages 14-17 years old, was awarded to Piper Axtell. Nine more junior black belts, for ages 9-13 years old, were awarded to: Austin Bennett, Johnny Campbell, Natalie Fenton, Tali Peled, Ryan Sauter, Alex Sprague, Angelina Trolio, Sophia Trolio, and Emily Vertel.
After the ceremony was over and the belts were presented, well-deserved refreshments were provided for the athletes. While many of these new black belts complained of soreness the next day, they agree that having a black belt to call their own is well worth it!
This is a huge achievement that requires years of focus, hard work, and dedication. Congratulations to all black belts!
Martial Arts America is located at 1005 C Avenue. For more information on karate classes, go to www.coronadokarate.net
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Sophia Zaller
Online Editorial Intern
eCoronado.com
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