Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

A Southampton County area student in Kenny Buffaloe’s Kyokushin Karate Youth & Teen/Adult Class at STUDIO 10 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, was recently promoted in rank. 

A studio news release stated that Niam Patel, of Boykins, was promoted to the rank of 8th Kyu (Blue Belt) recently after a vigorous promotion test. 

This rank was officially recognized and endorsed by the International Kyokushin Karate Organization in Tokyo, Japan. Sensei Kenny Buffaloe is the official North Carolina representative of this worldwide organization with more than 20 million members in 168 countries. 

In Kyokushin Karate, rank is difficult to attain due to the high level and standards required for advancement. Students are tested on their technical abilities, attitudes, seriousness in training, fighting spirit and character.

In Kyokushin-style karate, the Kumite — the fighting portion of the test — is the most important requirement, 70% of the test, which is always full-contact fighting against multiple opponents consecutively without a break.

For more information on Kyokushin Karate and area training classes, call 252-589-4281 or email kyokarateka@aol.com.