Pawling Karate Celebrates, 12 Year Old Earning His Black Belt
On September 6th Brandon Alcera, a 12 year old student of Pawling Middle School, earned his black belt at Pawling Karate. A black belt is a huge achievement and recognizes years of effort. Pawling Karate students train in the art of Ryu Renshi-Dan karate, which is a mix of traditional styles and modern self defense techniques.
Brandon started his karate training at the age of 5. He found a way to balance maintaining good grades in school, training in karate, in addition to playing baseball and soccer. Brandon also volunteers his time helping to serve food to the homeless through the program at Grace Episcopal Church.
Brandon’s attitude towards his karate training pushed him to join the Leadership Team at the dojo. Through that program he helps younger students set goals for themselves and works with them to improve their technique.
The black belt test at Pawling Karate involved intensive cardio exercises while Brandon had to protect himself from a barrage of attacks. His older brother Alex, also a black belt at Pawling Karate, held a shield for Brandon to demonstrate kicks. A selection of katas (traditional karate forms) were performed with Brandon leading the entire group of 25 intermediate level students.
The test was concluded with sparring, which is controlled contact fighting with protective gear. Brandon had to fight 6 different matches, starting with advanced level students and working his way up through his instructors. The last fight, at which point Brandon was drenched in sweat and exhausted, was against Shihan David, a 6th degree black belt. The fight lasted for over 3 minutes. During the match Brandon was thrown to the ground several times.
Sensei Alexis, the chief instructor at Pawling Karate, said, “Testing for a black belt pushes you to the point where you have nothing left, you’re tired, and the average person would give up. But the average person doesn’t get their black belt. It takes tremendous spirit to get to that point and push through. To be that tired and sore, but keep your hands up and fight back. That’s what we’re looking for. That’s a black belt.”
Brandon made it through the test and earned his black belt. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.” His family, teachers, and fellow students are extremely proud and inspired. A black belt is a white belt who never gave up.
Pawling Karate is located on Charles Colman Blvd in Pawling NY. They offer classes in traditional martial arts for children as young as 3, as well as adult karate and fitness kickboxing programs. www.pawlingkarate.
