by Erin Hogan
The mood in the room was long-awaited excitement as Cassandra Beattie, brown belt, Patricia Court, brown belt and Jess Court, black sash, took a seat in front of Sensei Fish and Third Degree Black belts Timothy Etman and Alex Bassallo (both of Grafton). These three students were going to finally receive their black belts after intense mind and body training.
Fish started off the ceremony by saying, “I am honored and privileged to do this. These people went through a three and a half hour grueling test. They were tested on form, power and strength, knowledge, fighting against 3 or 4 opponents and self defense against knives and guns.” Sensei Fish said that he almost felt sorry for them as they fought for their black belt because of how grueling the testing was. Beattie, Court and Court were judged on their enthusiasm, endurance, heart, respect for themselves and others and their humility. Fish said, “It’s easy to learn how to hurt, but we are also learning how to help.”
Receiving a black belt is no easy feat, as seen by the judging and testing process. Beattie has been working to get to this level for 12 years and Jess and Patricia Court have been for 6 years. This night they received two certificates – one from the Karate School run by Mr. Fish and then one from the organization run under John Izo who is a 10th degree black belt. The three, one by one, received the two certificates and their prized black belts from their instructors. Smiles were everywhere as the three put on their black belts and bowed out.
Etman said all three showed a lot of heart, and it was an honor to work with them. Bassallo said that he’s always excited to see people attain this exclusive achievement and that this is the beginning of a new journey in their lives and he wishes them much success.
So what are the thoughts running though a black belt recipient’s head? In the case of Cassandra Beattie, she plans to stay in the karate program and help teach others self defense. She said, with a smile, that although she has been training for 12 years, the only time she has actually used her skill outside the classroom was on her brother.
Although in the martial arts people are taught to maim and kill, Fish said that this is a Christian based school and not only will they beat their attackers, they will pray for them. If anyone is interested, the school meets in the Stephentown Town Hall (thanks to the Stephentown Youth Commission’s Sue Court and Debbie Angley) every Monday.
