It’s been a busy couple of months for Tucson Chayon-Ryu students! In November, we had a rank test at which seven of our students were promoted to their next belts.
Students demonstrating their roundhouse kicks in front of judges
It was our first test in our new location, and the bigger space meant that there was plenty of room for the friends and family of our students to watch and show their support.
In December, Ann Moser traveled to Houston to spend a week training at Chayon-Ryu’s World Headquarters, where she had the opportunity to learn from Grandmaster Kim Soo and Master Sean Kim. My father, Robert Fleming, and I joined Ms. Moser – now Kyosanim Moser! – there just in time for the rank test in Houston, to give moral support to our student.
Master Rangel, Robert Fleming, Ann Moser and other students demonstrate punching in a horse-riding stance
Just after arriving, Mr. Fleming and I discovered that we would be testing, too! Fortunately, after a class with Grandmaster Kim Soo and a few pep talks with each other, we were able to approach the test with enthusiasm.
Ann Moser, Robyn Fleming and Robert Fleming (back row) in a group portrait
It was a very exciting test, with several students being promoted to Master level, and Master Rangel and Master Sean Kim being promoted to their 8th Dan black belts. We were honored to be able to train with the students at World Headquarters and participate in their 252nd rank exam.
Congratulations to all of the Tucson Chayon-Ryu students who have earned new ranks this year!