Elite Karate Leadership Squad prepares future instructors

VERNON — Students from Vernon Valley Karate Academy recently completed their levels of training for the “Elite Karate Leadership Squad”.
Progressing in rank were Captain: Cody Williams, Lieutenant: Danica Williams, Master Sergeant: Tyler Douglass and Teagan Healy, Sergeant First Class: Dion Rolando, Sergeant: Helaina Stovin, Private First Class: Christopher Carrasco, CJ Hintzen, Jacqueline Schels and Taylor Schoenfeld and Private: Wade Riley.
These advanced students spent the past two months studying our karate heritage, fine-tuning their karate technique and practicing strategies that will lead them to become competent Junior Instructors when helping other students.
Parents attended the class to witness the discipline and Reishiki (etiquette) that all of the students so commendably displayed. All those present felt pride in their accomplishments.
This ongoing program will continue in the fall with a number of new students entering the program. Thankfully, they will have this group of graduates to set a good example.
“Upon reaching age 14, many of these students will become paid Assistant Instructors at our Academy,” commented Sensei Tom Shull. “We have had great success preparing our Junior Students to take on the responsibility throughout High School, College and beyond as karate instructors.”