10-year old Hispanic boy to test for 2 different 1st Degree Black Belts in Dallas, TX

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 6, 2006 --

Kevin Guzman, 10, has been studying and practicing karate since he was 5 years old - and its about to pay off! Having attended over 600 classes in 5 years, Kevin is scheduled to test for his Shodan (1st degree black belt) in two different sytles of Okinawan karate. Shorin Ryu as handed down by Grandmaster Eizo Shimabukuro, 10th dan and Shudokan as taught by the late Walter Todd, Hanshi, 8th dan. He will be only the 6th student under the age of 18 to have obtain this ranking in the 22 years that the Okinawan Karate Club of Dallas (www.okinawankarateclub.com) has been opened. This is a major accomplishment as only on average 1 out of every 100 students achieves this ranking!
Kevin has been studying under Ilene J. Smoger, Shihan, 6th degree black in Shorin Ryu and 7th degree black in Shudokan for the past 5 years. Smoger Shihan is the head instructor of the Okinawn Karate Club of Dallas (OKCD).

Kevin is the oldest of four boys (Brian, Jason and Sylvan). Brian and Jason are both students of OKCD as well; Brian is a 4th kyu student and Jason is ranked as a 6th kyu student. Sylvan, the youngest will begin karate as soon as he reaches 5 years of age. Kevin's parents, Jose & Sylvia Guzman are strong supporters of their sons' karate training and can often be seen in the audience. They have been deemed, "Sideline Sensei" by many students in the school as they know many of the drills themselves by watching for the past 5 years!
Kevin's test is open to the public and will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2006 at 1:00pm central time at the school. The test will consist of 5 parts: kata (forms), ippon kumite (1 step pre-arranged sparring), free-sparring, kobudo (weapons), and the candidate's own demostration / presentation to the board for consideration.
Come on out and watch this amazing young man achieve a lifelong dream of his!