Front row, from left, are Luis Santiago, Harvey Wolverton, Justin Passaro, Colby Remington and Brianna VanHaste. Back row, from left, are Rhyleigh Tarrant, Teagan Brown, Layne Remington, Bryce VanHaste and Emmett Lawlor. The instructors are Sensei Tom Shull, standing at left; Sensei Cody Williams; and Sensei Monica McGovern. (Photo by Jose Miranda)
An advanced group of students from the Vernon Valley Karate Academy completed the first level of training for the Karate Leadership Squad on May 3.
Progressing to junior leader were Teagan Brown, Emmett Lawlor, Justin Passaro, Layne Remington, Colby Remington, Luis Santiago, Rhyleigh Tarrant, Bryce VanHaste, Brianna VanHaste and Harvey Wolverton.
The students spent two months studying karate heritage, fine-tuning their karate technique and practicing strategies that will lead them to become competent junior instructors when helping other students.
Parents attended the class to witness the discipline and Reishiki (etiquette) that the students displayed.
The program will continue in the fall with new students entering the program.