During the weekend of Oct. 17 & 18, four members of our dojo attended the Order of Isshin-Ryu Fall Shiai in Chesapeake City, MD. This event, held thrice yearly, is a gathering of members of the organization to work together, evaluate our students, compete, and learn together.

Two of our group were evaluated and promoted to a new level: Mr. Kevin Duarte is now a shodan (first level black belt), and Sensei Ortenzio was promoted to nanadan (seventh level black belt). Below are pictures from the shiai and promotion ceremonies.

Kevin Duarte's promotion ceremony.

Part of the rei line of attending black belts.

Dai Sempai Kline giving instructions.

Sensei Ortenzio's promotion.

My sensei, Bud Ewing, was promoted to ku-dan.

Kevin and proud dad, Chuck.

Master Ewing, Sensei Ortenzio, Mark Stallings, Chuck Duarte, Kevin Duarte, Master Cooling.

Ok, couldn't resist this one. Here's Kevin (third from the left) and older brother Chris (center) in 2004 when they were orange belts.