Westbury Okinawan Karate, which is offered by the Westbury Recreation Department, had its formal August Testing on Aug. 25. At this time, 14 students who met the attendance requirement and proficiency of the skills that were required were tested. The following students successfully passed their test and were advanced to the next belt level:

1st Kyu - Brown Belt w/stripe: Viron Jones
4th Kyu - Green Belt: Victor Perez
6th Kyu - Orange Belt: Nazyer Jackson and Aaron Vinsky
7th Kyu - Gold Belt w/stripe: Brian Villafuerte and Terris Worrell

1st Kyu - Brown Belt w/stripe: Jonathan Cox and Jennifer Pareja
3rd Kyu - Green Belt w/stripe: Alvin Campos
6th Kyu - Orange Belt: Naomy Cruz
8th Kyu - Gold Belt: Jonathan Cardoza

1st Kyu - Brown Belt w/stripe: Dexter Golbourne
2nd Kyu - Brown Belt: Steven Alexander
5th Kyu - Blue Belt: Giordan Walker

Several students who were on vacation and missed the test but have met all of the requirements will be tested at a later date in September. The results of that test will be featured in a future Westbury Times article.

Following the test, the dojo had its usual Reception and Party. Refreshments of pizza, soda and snacks were enjoyed by all of the students and their families. On hand to witness and assist Sensei John Power with the testing was Glenn Kearney - 5th Dan who has a dojo in Lindenhurst and Aniello Discala - 1st Dan who instructs in Westbury with Sensei John Power.

The Westbury Okinawan Karate School (dojo), has been working with the Westbury Recreation Department to bring a traditional Okinawan style of karate to the village. Sensei Power coordinates and runs a continuous program that eventually leads to blackbelt and beyond. The school accepts children 6 years of age up to adults. New students are always welcome and there is continuous enrollment every Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9 p.m. For additional information call Sensei Power at 333-8489 or visit www.westburykarate.com.