Local Karate students recognized as Black Belts

Three members of the Traditional Karate-Do Center - Brittany Vreeland, 11, Noelle Giammarino, 15, and Kyle McFarland, 11 - have become eligible to test for the rank of Sho-Dan, or first-degree Black Belt, in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate. They are residents of Warwick and have been training at the dojo for about five years. “All three of these young people met and exceeded the standard of what I would expect a Black Belt to be,” said Glenn Finke, owner and head instructor. “The three of them have had their own unique journeys during their practice of karate-overcoming many challenges and enjoying many personal achievements. I am honored by their desire, dedication and discipline.” The promotion ceremony took place at the Orange County Park near the Hickory Hill Golf Course where other students also were recognized during the dojo’s annual summer picnic. For information, log on to www.warwickkarate.com.