Region 8 held an action packed weekend at Giroux Bros Martial Arts – Connecticut on April 17^th and 18^th.  Seminars were presented on Friday evening by Jim Pelletier (self-defense) and Steve Brown (core CKD).  Students enjoyed two very professional and valuable classes.  Thanks to Jim and Steve!  Black Belt testing was held on Saturday. 

Saturday started at 8am with the 1^st dan testing.  Fifteen red belts demonstrated great CKD technique and strength of spirit as they powered through until 1pm….when we congratulated 15 new black belts.  Immediately following the first test we kicked off the second test for 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th black with 7 candidates.  Our higher black belts did not disappoint and showed the spectators and new 1^st dans some awesome advanced kata, CKD combinations, one-steps, kicks, and sparring.  We rapped up the second test at approx 5.00 pm.  

Congratulations to the following CKD members (new rank noted)!

 Caleb Rhodes, 1^st dan

Danny Sohmer, 1^st dan

Akinbayo Akinwande, 1^st dan

John Reid, 1^st dan

Spencer Ventresca, 1^st dan

Gregory Parker, 1^st dan

Morgan Woods, 1^st dan

Dehar Bajrami, 1^st dan

Fallon Yulfo, 1^st dan

Jonah Samuels, 1^st dan

Shana Ventresca, 1^st dan

Kirk Holmes, 1^st dan

Ian Belt, 1^st dan

Mike Grimm, 1^st dan

Briana Krawczyk, 1^st dan

Todd Morton, 2^nd dan

Grant Rheingold, 2^nd dan

Sarah Thomsen, 3^rd dan

Jerry Dwyer Jr. 3^rd dan

James Pelletier Jr. 3^rd dan

Nicole Farah, 4^th dan

Doug Shaffer, 4^th dan