MANSFIELD — The Music Karate Academy of Karate and Empowerment had its monthly belt promotion on Saturday.
Family members, friends, and community members gathered to witness the achievements of the students, who demonstrated their skills.
The promotion featured 18 out of 50 students demonstrating proficiency in various techniques, katas, and sparring. Students from white belts to black belts demonstrated kata and karate fundamentals.
The promotion began with a welcome from chief instructor, Sensei Reneta Music, who emphasized the importance of practicing at home. She spoke about earning a rank and not having it given to the students.
During the evaluations, students performed a wide range of katas, which are crucial for developing timing, precision, and control. Once students were done, the attending black belt, including Music, performed higher-ranking kata, with an explanation of the origin of each kata by Grandmaster Gary Music.
After demonstrations of the various kata, all the students participated in sparring. Sparring is a “game of tag” with controlled kicks, punches, and foot sweeps, all while avoiding being hit.
Lastly, belts and stripes were awarded to students, and the new student of the month was announced. Each month, a student is chosen as student of the month based upon perseverance, integrity, indomitable spirit, courtesy, and self-control. This month’s student of the month is Abiona Huffman.
Carnations were also passed out to the moms for Mother’s Day
For anyone interested in joining karate, the Music Academy of Karate and Empowerment at 44 West 4th Street in Mansfield, contact Sensei Reneta Music at 419-405-5711.