Westbury Okinawan Karate, which is offered by the Westbury Recreation Department, held its formal April Testing on April 14. At this time, 21 students who met the attendance requirement and proficiency of the skills that were required were tested. Sensei John Power invited other Blackbelts on hand to witness and assist with the testing. Marcel Toussaint - 4th Dan, who frequently teaches at the Westbury dojo, and Glenn Kearney - 5th Dan who has a dojo in Lindenhurst, along with Sensei Power's senior student Dexter Golbourne - Jr. Blackbelt 2nd, offered helping hands.

Congratulations to the following students who successfully passed their test and advanced to the next belt level:

Dragon Team

2nd Kyu: Brown Belt - Viron Jones, Dwayne Depusoir

3rd Kyu: Green Belt w/Stripe - Matthew Libby

5th Kyu; Blue Belt - Victor Perez

7th Kyu: Gold Belt w/Stripe - Nazyer Jackson

8th Kyu: Gold Belt - Brian Villafuerte, Kiarra Richardson, Terris Worrell

Ninja Team

2nd Kyu: Brown Belt - Jonathan Cox, Jennifer Pareja

4th Kyu: Green Belt - Kristen Lynch

7th Kyu: Gold Belt w/Stripe - Alex Vasquez, Naomy Cruz

8th Kyu: Gold Belt - Sienna Richardson

9th Kyu: Purple Belt - Brandon Brathwaite, Gabrielle Brathwaite

Eagle Team

3rd Kyu: Green Belt w/Stripe - Steven Alexander

4th Kyu: Green Belt - Kelsey Lynch, Brittney Jones

6th Kyu: Orange Belt - Giordan Walker

8th Kyu: Gold Belt - Ajaury Williams

Additionally, two students, Maria Romero and Hernan Carias, who missed the test will be tested at a later date. Maria will test for her Gold Belt and Hernan Carias will test for his Purple Belt. And, on April 15, two other students took part in a special test for their Junior Blackbelt at a neighboring Hicksville dojo. See an upcoming issue of The Westbury Times for the results.

Following the April 14 test, the dojo held a Reception and Party. Refreshments, pizza and snacks were enjoyed by all of the students and their families.

The Westbury Okinawan Karate School (dojo), which celebrated its fourth anniversary on April 14, works with the Westbury Recreation Department to bring a traditional Okinawan style of karate to the village. Sensei Power runs a continuous program that leads to Blackbelt and beyond. The school accepts children 6 years to adults and new students are always welcome. Continuous enrollment is held every Monday and Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9 p.m. For additional information call Sensei Power at 333-8489 or visit www.westburykarate.com.