JKI students earn Black Belt honors

Three students at the Japan Karate Institute, owned and operated by Daniel Island resident Sensei Glenn Raus, have earned new Black Belt honors. Kohai Ford Coker of Lexington and Kohai Ian Jacobs of Daniel Island both recently passed their 1st Degree Black Belt exams, while Daniel Island resident Sempai Joseph Garvey advanced to the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt.

According to Raus, Garvey is the first teenager and the second JKI student to earn this designation under his tutelage. Since he lives out of town, Coker completed his training via Skype and during summer commutes to Daniel Island. Jacobs and Garvey are at the Dojo every Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, noted Raus.

Jacobs reports that he has been training with Raus at JKI Daniel Island for six years and 11 months. He is now in the 8th grade at Crown Leadership Academy in Mount Pleasant.

“The journey of getting my Black Belt has been an incredible learning experience,” said Jacobs, who plans to continue his training at JKI, where he will soon begin pressure point training classes. “I have especially learned that even if a difficult task is put before you, one can always conquer it with enough work and determination.”

“I would never have been able to earn my Black Belt without the encouragement of Sensei Glenn and my parents,” continued Jacobs. “It’s been the experience of a lifetime and I am really grateful. Osu!”

A student at Palmetto Scholars Academy, Garvey began his training at JKI in 2005 and earned his Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) in 2011 and his Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt) in October. He sees karate not as a sport or a hobby, but a way of life.

“It is a steady part of my life, that no matter what else is happening, I can go to,” said Garvey. “When I have trouble with friends or family, karate is something that I can do, and nothing else matters but my training in that moment. The Dojo has become an important part of my life, and is a place where I feel at home.”

The next step for Garvey in his karate training is to continue to refine his technique. He recently began training for his 3rd Degree Black Belt (Sandan), which he expects will take four to five years to complete.

“I appreciate what Sensei Glenn does,” added Garvey. “And if it were not for him, I would not be where I am.”

Sensei Glenn, who has been training at JKI for 17 years, also added another honor to his distinguished karate experience. In October, he earned his 4th Degree Black Belt. For additional information on JKI, visit http://www.japankarateinstitute.com.

Daniel Island Publishing

225 Seven Farms Drive
Unit 108
Daniel Island, SC 29492 

Office Number: 843-856-1999
Fax Number: 843-856-8555

 

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