Samurai Karate Studio Promotes First Two Students to Black Belt

Columbia, SC, September 29, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Sensei Chris Feldt, owner and chief instructor for Samurai Karate Studio, located in Richland Northeast Columbia, recently announced that he promoted two of his most senior students to black belt.

"This was a significant milestone for me personally," commented Feldt, "as these were my first two students to earn the rank of black belt under my instruction!"

It takes the average student four years to earn their black belt, just about the amount of time that Samurai Karate Studio has been open.

"It takes a special person to achieve the rank of black belt," stated Feldt. "First it takes about four years, which is quite a commitment of time and resources, and you have to be in very good shape in order to pass the test."

The students, Kristi and William Davenport, are a husband and wife team that began their training at SKS at the same time. In addition to the rigorous karate requirments, Sensei Feldt also requires community service, acts of kindness, environmental self defense, anger management, healthy eating and diabetes awareness as part of the curriculum.

Feldt commented, "While I want my students to be able to defend themselves on the street against assault, the reality is, in their lifetime, they will probably experience other things more threatening than a punch. Diabetes is the fastest growing disease in the United States, and they are more likely to get that disease, than be attacked on the street. I want my black belts to be engaged in all things that are self defense related."

The black belt test, covered a span of two days. The first day, Sensei Feldt and his two candidates volunteered at a food pantry for nearly 3 hours, hiked 5 miles in the forest, delivered bottled water and socks to a homeless shelter and visited an urban organic farm.

"I can guarantee you, there aren't any schools in the area, or many in the US for that matter, that have this kind of test," commented Feldt. "As modern day Samurai, we are here to serve ourselves, but then our family, community and our world. That's what I want my black belts to be known for!"

The second day of the test, covered core curriculum requirements that included sparring, self defense, weapons, basic strikes, kicks and blocks, as well as some ground defenses.

"These were two excellent martial artists," commented Feldt, "and two really good people that embody the spirit and honor of what it means to be a black belt. I am truly grateful to know them personally and have them for students!"

The black belt test, was followed up by a special candle light ceremony where SKS students and parents were invited to participate. After the ceremony, there was a pot luck supper.

Samurai Karate Studio teaches a traditional style of Japanese karate to children and adults, beginning at age 4 and up. If you would like more information about SKS, please contact Sensei Feldt at samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com.

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