Vernon Valley Karate holds leadership squad

VERNON — The final class of this Spring session of the Vernon Valley Karate Academy “Elite Karate Leadership Squad” took place on Monday, April 13. Participating students, both returning and new, spent eight weeks of intensive study of Karate history, philosophy, instruction techniques, and the development of Karate Shisei and Reishiki (attitude and etiquette).

This program is held twice each year and welcomes students ages 9 through 14 who have attained the rank of Junior Brown Belt. Following a military style ranking structure, students are promoted after successfully completing each session. The goal is to develop students who will take on the role of Junior Instructor and at age 16, if qualified, become paid instructors at the Karate Academy.

Completing a year and a half of study and attaining the rank of sergeant were: Ayden Alexander, Ashley Antonini, Kylah Demarest, James Dorsey, Yorgo Liaros, Andrew Miller, Zachary Trost and Danica Williams.

Completing two sessions and being promoted to Corporal were Tyler Douglass, Teagan Healy, Jonah Moore and Cody Williams. Having completed their first session and promoted to the rank of Private First Class were: Katarina Gomez, Cassidy Moore, Dion Rolando, Aidan Stovin and Helaina Stovin. Instructing the class were Sensei: Tom Shull, Barret Myzak, Monica Rolando and Sacha Dorsey.