Submitted photo
Major salutes into his test.
Submitted photo
Major takes down his “attacker”, Luke Christian of Elkin.
Submitted photo
Major with Sensei Holly Vaughn and Master Brandon Vaughn.
Major Bryant, 8, of Elkin was promoted to a Black Belt during the Karate International Spring Test on May 18, 2013.
He is the youngest student to ever receive this rank with Karate International of Jonesville.
Major began training with KI in March 2008 as a Little Dragon, a program designed for children between the ages of 3 and 6. He completed the program in 13 months and advanced to beginner classes in April 2009.
He quickly moved up the ranks obtaining his green belt (half way to black) in February 2010.
Major made his first attempt at Black Belt in December 2012 in front of the KI Masters Council, but was advised to continue training and try again in 6 months. He never gave up and only became more determined to achieve his goal.
From December to May while playing basketball and baseball, Major continued to train at home and in the dojo. He pre-tested with Master Vaughn in late April and was approved to attend the Masters Council on May 12th. Major’s second visit to the Masters Council resulted in approval to test for his Black Belt.
In order to pass the test and earn his black belt Major had a list of requirements to complete.
He had to learn basic techniques (punches, kicks, and blocks), 8 katas (imaginary fights), 5 countries (a series of self-defense techniques), and ju-jitsu techniques.
Major had to perform all of this in front of the KI Masters Council made up of senior black belts and above. In addition, he had to break 5 wooden boards using different techniques, protect himself against a line of “attackers”, and develop a planned response against a single “attacker”.
All of these techniques had to be performed on-cue without assistance or prompting.
Major was also required to learn the meaning of the different colors of the KI logo and the Student Creed.
This experience has taught Major the value of hard work, dedication, and patience, according to his mother Sherry Sasser.
“As he has gotten older Major has become involved in other sports and activities, but he refused to give up on his goal to be a Black Belt in karate. Major’s instructors never gave up on him; they were constantly encouraging him and offering one-on-one assistance to improve his techniques,” Sasser said.
His mother said that with the self-defense and discipline Major has learned through Karate International he has also learned to never give up.
Major plans to take a short break from karate before continuing his training.
Major is the son of Sherry Sasser (Charlie Chappell) and Michael Bryant (Ashley Seigler). He is a 2nd grade student at Elkin Elementary School.
In addition to karate, Major enjoys playing football, basketball, and baseball.
Karate International of Jonesville is owned and operated by Master Brandon Vaughn and Sensei Holly Vaughn. The school is designed to teach the students self-defense techniques.
Another primary focus is discipline and education; students cannot be promoted to their next rank if they are not performing well in school. Karate International is a family-oriented program with classes designed for students of all age and skill-level.
For more information about Karate International and the programs offered please call (336)258-2551 or visit it online at www.kielkin.com.
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