日時：2022年5月21日
場所：カナダ・ケベック州モントリオール
主催：カナダ支部（ルシアノ・パパレラ支部長）
カナダ、ケベック州では５月１３日に２年ぶりにマスク着用義務が解除となり、スポーツジムや道場を含めた運動施設はパンデミック前と同じレベルの人数まで収容できるようになりました。今は大会やセミナー、昇段審査といった至近距離での接触を伴う活動も行うことができます。
カナダ・パパレラ支部では5月21日にモントリオールで昇段審査を行い、技術、身体能力、精神力そして気合いを試す厳しい試練を耐えた7名が見事昇段を果たしました。
コロナ禍の特殊な状況下で、稽古をしない言い訳をみつけるのは簡単でした。それにも関わらず、心を正しく持ち、稽古を続けて来たのが彼らです。黒帯というのは諦めずに稽古を続けて来た白帯である、という表現がありますが、周囲からの支えも得てここまで来ることができました。新たな一歩を踏み出した彼らが、今度は次の世代を導いて行ってほしいと思います。
社会がようやく通常化し、今後に計画されている様々なイベントに参加することを楽しみにしています。
Canada – Luciano Paparella Branch – Black Belt Grading Exam
Date: May 21, 2022
Place: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Organizer: Canada Branch (Branch Chief Luciano Paparella)
After two long years, Quebec, Canada has finally ended the mask wearing mandate on May 13, 2022. As a result, gyms and sport centers, including dojos are filling up at pre-pandemic levels. We can currently host major activities requiring close contact such as competitions, seminars and black belt exams.
The Canadian branch – Luciano Paparella held a black belt exam in Montreal on May 21, 2022. Luciano Paparella, 5th dan and Marisa Leone, 3rd dan who organized this event have the honor to announce the results of this black belt exam where seven courageous karatekas faced a very demanding exam, testing their technical skills, their physical and mental fortitude, and their fighting spirit.
The first part of the exam was held in a private setting where the candidates were tested on their technical skills which included kihons, ido-geikos, and katas. For those who passed this part, the second part (kumite) was open to other dojos to participate.
Congratulations to our new shodans (1st degree black belt); Lien, Malek, Julia and Ilcorian, as well as our new nidans (2nd degree black belt), Gianni and Paul, and finally Michael Perrone who changed his title to Sensei.
It was a long journey with exceptional circumstances for everyone to get to this point. There were many excuses in the last 2 years not to train, but everyone found the right reason to continue training. There is a saying we often hear that a black belt is a white belt that never quit. Thanks to the very supportive community that helped these seven karatekas get ready physically and mentally for this special day.
There were many moments during this exam where the karatekas reached their breaking point, but thanks to the supportive group of experienced fighters and the watchful eye of Shihan Kalaidopoulos, they overcame this point and moved forward.
A new journey for these 7 karatekas has begun. They now have the responsibility and honor to guide the next generation.
We are looking forward to participate in many more activities already planned this year as we regain momentum in our community.
Osu!
Luciano Paparella
WKO Branch Chief, Canada