DojoNews-

This was a "Hot One"! The largest testing group in the past year showed up to demonstrate the art of Seika Kage Ryu Kempo Jiu Jitsu. There were youth and adult, white belt through brown belts, all shapes and sizes. For the cnadidates testing for advanced ranks (gree through black), the test included a 30 minute run at Piner High School's track. After returning the entire group was put throuhg a strenuous workout by Sensei Alex Amador. Pretty well wrung out, the new bel;t candidates were then asked to show their material. Whites started, then all other belts showed their white belt material, and then the whites were dismissed. So it went on up to black belts. The advanced ranks showed their sparring and grappling skills.

The panel at it height had eight members on it. Due to the length of the day, some panel members had to leave early. Once agains, we were blessed to have Professor Charlie Robinson in attendence. Sensie Schwinn, Sensei Powell, Sensei Aamador, Sensei King, Mr. Nagle, Mr. Alavrez, and Mr. Blankenheim all watched as the students demonstarted their art.

The following promotions were awarded:

• Damian Dussault - Shodan / 1st Degree Black Belt
• Holly West - Nikyu / 2nd Degree Brown Belt
• Mason Holt - Nikyu / 2nd Degree Brown Belt
• Forest West - Nikyu / 2nd Degree Brown Belt
• Tabish Hoseny - Nikyu / 2nd Degree Brown Belt
• Steve Clark - Sankyu / 1st Degree Brown Belt - Shaolin Kempo (Novato)
• Forest Dang - Yonkyu / Green Belt - Shaolin Kempo (Novato)
• Kenneth Lowe - Yonkyu / Green Belt - Shaolin Kempo (Novato)
• Alfredo Reyes - Yonkyu / Green Belt - Shaolin Kempo
• Justin Witt - Gokyu / Blue Belt
• Anthony Lopez - Rokyu / Purple Belt
• Dave Bouncristiani - Rokyu / Purple Belt
• Devin Romo - Shichikyu / Orange Belt
• Jim Carniglia - Hachikyu / Yellow Belt
• Kelly Puertas-Burke - Hachikyu / Yellow Belt
• Daniel Puertas - Hachikyu / Yellow Belt

The new Seika Kage Ryu Kempo Jiu Jitsu belt system and testing format went into place March 8th when eight students were promoted. Proving the system is already showing significant improvements in both knowledge base and performance, all those candidates had stellar performances while demonstrating their knowledge of the material. The very challenging test was run by by Sensei Alex Amador, and a distinguished panel of black belts, with Sensei Schwinn observing from the side. The following promotions were made:

• Matt Blankenheim - Yonkyu / Green Belt
• Vanessa Joseph-Phillips - Rokyu / Purple Belt
• Anthoney Lopez - Rokyu / Purple Belt
• Javier Plascencia - Shichikyu / Orange Belt
• Aaron Burt - Shichikyu / Orange Belt
• Nick Denicke - Shichikyu / Orange Belt
• Steven Denicke - Shichikyu / Orange Belt
• Kortney Olson - Hachikyu / Yellow Belt
• Devin Romo - Hachikyu / Yellow Belt

In the largest and most competitive judo tournament in Northern California, the Seika Ryu crew showed up to give their best. Ivan Rodriguez took silver, Gabe Mulcaire, Justin Owen, and SRJC player Devin Romo took bronze, and Elita Damron placed fourth in a very competitive division.

The "Buddhist" is what we consider the final tournament of the year, the culmination of all our hard work and training. Although we lose some of our judocompetitors to high school and junior college sports (wrestling) at this time, the list of players over the year has steadily grown. Individual performances in shiai has improved at a consistent rate. Even with promotion to higher ranks our students have shown a strong and consistent develpment into quality competitive judoka.

Thanks should be given to the coaches and instructors who have played a big part in our judo program over the years. Special thanks to the following for all of their wonderful contributions: Bob Pennington, Josh Baum, Destinee Tartuffe, Katie Tefft, Dennis McCarter, Eric Brooks, Matt Blankenheim, Dale Kahoun, Brian O'Hara, and of course our beloved Professor Charlie Robinson.