Westbury Okinawan Karate, which is offered by the Westbury Recreation Department, had its formal December Testing and Holiday Party on Dec. 15. At this time, 22 students who met the attendance requirement and proficiency of the skills that were required were tested. Additionally, four students tested for Junior Blackbelt on Dec. 13 received their belts at this time.

The following students passed their test and were advanced to the next belt level:

Dragon Team (6 to 8-year-olds)

3rd Kyu: Green Belt w/stripe - Victor Perez

5th Kyu: Blue Belt - Nazyer Jackson

6th Kyu: Orange Belt - Bryan Villafuerte

8th Kyu: Gold Belt - Christina Bonaparte and Tyler Bonaparte

9th Kyu: Purple Belt - Claudia Perez and Manit Chugh

Jr Blackbelt: 2nd Dan - Quentin Abram

Jr. Blackbelt: 1st Dan - Jonathan Cox, Jennifer Pareja and Viron Jones

1st Kyu: Brown Belt w/stripe - Dwayne Depusoir

2nd Kyu: Brown Belt - Alvin Campos

3rd Kyu: Green Belt w/stripe - Jonathan Cox and Jennifer Pareja

6th Kyu: Orange Belt - Sienna Richardson and Kiarra Richardson

7th Kyu: Gold Belt w/stripe - Jonathan Cardoza

8th Kyu: Gold Belt - Gabrielle Brathwaite

1st Kyu: Brown Belt w/stripe - Steven Alexander

4th Kyu: Green Belt - Giordan Walker

8th Kyu: Gold Belt - Brandon Brathwaite

Following the test, the dojo had its annual holiday party. Refreshments, pizza and snacks were enjoyed by the students and their families and Santa Claus (a.k.a. Sensei John Power 4th Dan) raffled off several gifts for his students. Blackbelts from other dojos were on hand to witness and assist Power with the testing.

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. The program, coordinated by Sensei Power is wrapping up its fourth year. The Westbury dojo runs a continuous program that eventually leads to blackbelt and beyond. The school accepts children 6 years of age to adult. New students are always welcome and there is continuous enrollment every Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

For additional information call Sensei Power at 333-8489 or visit www.westburykarate.com.