Black Belt Promotions
Submitted by Sensi Bob Fish
On Saturday December 19, I had the honor and privilege of promoting seven people to various degrees of Black Belt. Four of these people are from one family. The Bassallo Family from Grafton. As these people continue to pursue excellence in the martial arts they come to realize that there are no limits, there are only plateaus they must not stay at, they must go beyond them.
Through hard work, commitment, discipline and perseverance this is exactly what these black belts have done. They have learned much but their journey is not complete. As martial artists they seek physical perfection but the greater goal is perfection of character. It is my hope that they continue to strive to meet these goals. That they may make a difference in every life they touch.
John Izzo’s Okinawan Karate Association – Green Island Academy of Martial Arts – Stephentown Self Defense Systems and Bassallo’s School of Martial Arts wish to recognize the accomplishments of the following people:
Timothy Etman 5th Degree Black Belt
Eva Bassallo 2nd Degree Black Belt
Dominique Bassallo 2nd Degree Black Belt
Caroline Bassallo 2nd Degree Black Belt
Daniel Bassallo 2nd Degree Black Belt
William Bissell 2nd Degree Black Belt
Bill Diotte 2nd Degree Black Belt
I would like to thank all who participated in preparing these students for this test. Also continued thanks to Stephentown Town Board and Stephentown Youth Commission for their continued support. Special thank you to Jeanne Fish for providing refreshments.