Greetings,

The Spring Regional/Fathers' Day Recognition Tournament was successful. The number of fathers attending was over 50, well done dads.

The event began with a change of pace. The Black Belt meeting was held in record time as the all in attendance were totally cognizant and versed in the tournament rules.

After the introductions, a number of special events took place:
Shihan Dan, in the capacity of Senior Vice President of the Shorinjiryu Shinzen Kyokai, awarded certificates of grade or rank to the following:

• Anthony LaBalbo - Junior Black Belt
• Decland Paul-Roper - First Degree Black Belt
• Jason Berenbach - Second Degree Black Belt
• Henry Chicaiza - Second Degree Black Belt
• Kevin Gutierrez - Second Degree Black Belt
• Nazir Khan - Second Degree Black Belt
• Annette Lopez - Second Degree Black Belt
• Marc Riley - Second Degree Black Belt

A surprise candle light ceremony was held in honor of Yesenia Santiago-Persad who was awarded her yon dan (fourth degree black belt) in the Kenryukan by Hanshi Myron, Shihan Troy and Shihan Vincent.

Immediately thereafter, Shihan Dan presented her with her Kyokai certificate. When Tashi Yessy, as we call her, turned around after receiving these awards, she received another one because both her father and husband were there beaming with pride. They were in on the surprise.

The students then lined up with their fathers, grandfathers, uncles, older brothers to receive and give the special gift trophies to their fathers. Sensei Jim then took a picture of the proud families.

These pictures are now available on the Kenryukan.com web site. In the meantime, Nidan Marc has some great pictures on facebook already.

The competition was of high caliber and the camaraderie infectious.

Congratulations to all, for all are winners in the eyes of the instructors and black belts. Here are the results: