Sun Prairie, WI – Saturday, November 15, 2008 twelve students from Karate America in Sun Prairie tested for their 1^st degree black belt at Prairie View Middle School.  The testing began at 11:00 a.m. and concluded at 4:15 p.m.  It was immediately followed by a ceremony for family and friends.  The ceremony included demonstrations by each school and each student, presentation of belts to each individual student, and presentations from school leaders and owners.  After the ceremony all students and guests were treated to cake and punch.  Photos from the closed testing and belt award ceremony can be viewed by visiting http://www.karate-america.net and link can be found by the photos of the graduating classes. 

Training in the martial arts can begin at any age.   The junior black belts that tested Saturday from Karate American in Sun Prairie range in age from 8 to 15 and the adults were approximately 35-45 years of age.  Our new mixed martial arts style focuses on a mauy thai base that professional boxers use and our students learn how to absorb the impact if shoved or pushed.  We teach our students how to defend themselves from the ground should they be attacked.  Many times people will take classes to learn how to defend from a standing position, however once knocked to the ground they have no skill to further defend themselves.  Our mixed system provides in-depth training in a standing position as well as from the ground. 

The twelve students from Karate America Sun Prairie/Poynette have been training for approximately four years each to reach the black belt level  Besides their regular classes each week, they were required to attend 3 hour classes on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons to prepare for their final test.  The focus and dedication of students that reach this level is phenomenal. The classes consisted of intense physical fitness drills, thai boxing, jiu-jitsu techniques, submissions, and weapons

In the past we have had feedback from parents and teachers in the school system that note the difference in a students attitude, focus, and self-discipline when kids are involved in a good martial arts system.  At the Sun Prairie school Master Koster teaches during every class from beginners to advanced, from 4 year olds to 70+ year old students.  Each student is treated as an individual and never is there any teasing or bullying of others allowed.  Students are taught respect for self and others, self discipline and body control. 

CLICK HERE to see the photos from the November 15th Black Belt Test.