More than 15 area students and residents will be receiving the Martial Arts’ highest honors at the Karate Institute’s annual Black Belt Extravaganza.
This year’s high-energy show will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at Lakeland Community College’s Performing Arts Center, and will feature talents such as synchronized forms, musical martial arts skits and a lighted weapons demonstration.
Black belt candidates include: Sandan (third degree): Katherine Skouby, Mentor; Nidan (second degree): Nick Abazia, Mentor, and Chase Frazee, Kirtland; Shodan (first degree): Kelly Cunningham, Mentor, Taylor Frazee, Kirtland, Kelsey Gresco, Mentor, Alan Haavisto, Wickliffe, Alex Haavisto, Wickliffe, Kai Haavisto, Wickliffe, Jacob Markuz, Mentor and Kurt Raney, Mentor; Junior Black Belt II: Gracie Krashoc, Eastlake, Michelle Lucic, Mentor, Corey Payerchin, Mentor, Alex O’Dell, Eastlake, and Daniel Ryan, Willoughby; and Junior Black Belt I: Mason Robey, Mentor, James Roski, Mentor, and Logan Yuras, Mentor.
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The test to earn a black belt is one of the most demanding experiences martial artists will ever face. It challenges students physically, psychologically and emotionally. Months of preparation for the extravaganza, which will end with them receiving their new belts, have resulted in a show that will inspire and motivate. In developing their participation in the show, black belt recipients have developed not only their martial arts skills, but also their leadership, teamwork and creativity.
Tickets for the Nov. 19 show are $7.50 each, and are available at the door or by calling the Karate Institute at (440) 951-0463. For more information on the Karate Institute programs, visit www.mentorkarate.com.