Grand Master William Spivey, of Spivey Karate, firmly believes that one of the keys to good mental and physical health is to learn something new. After spending several months of training, he and six of his Black Belt students recently took a test in Kobudo (Okinawan weapons). They were tested by a board consisting of national Kobudo instructor Grand Master James Webster, and Craig and Stephanie McKinnon, who are both three-degree Black Belts in Kobudo.
Passing the tests to first degree Black Belt was Daniel Sammons, Michelle Wagner, Rob Curry, Cherish Fields, Nicholas Gray and Harley Chaney. Grand Master Spivey was promoted to second degree Black Belt.
“It was all about the challenge of rising to the occasion,” Spivey said.
The testing board commented the test was one of the best they ever saw, with all students perfectly prepared, knowing how to work each weapon and answer questions correctly.
Kobudo classes will be held monthly, taught by Webster, at Spivey Karate on the third Saturday of each month. All martial artists, regardless of rank, school or style are welcome. Call (352) 518-9409 for more information.
Pictured, from left, back row: Nicholas Gray, Daniel Sammons, William Spivey, Bob Curry and Cherish Fields; sitting: Craig McKinnon, James Webster and Stephanie McKinnon; front: Harley Chaney and Michelle Wagner. Maintenance, Umpiring Positions Also Available by Keri McAlpine Photos by CSSN League • Continued on Page 2B Pirates head coach Tom McHugh. Photo Provide
6 years ago, a 4 year old little girl began her martial arts journey in the Spivey Karate Lil’ Dragons class. Today, at 10 years of age, she has achieved 2 Black Belts. Her determination and her “never quit” attitude, backed up by tremendous support from her mother & grandparents, have given her rare achievements that few girls her age can even dream of. While her friends were doing gymnastics, dance, sports & cheer leading, she was “warrioring up” on the mat learning self defense skills, intricate forms & katas, mastering martial arts weapons and earning the nickname “Beastie Girl” with her sparring skills. “I could not be more proud of Makenzie,” said her instructor William Spivey. “She is an amazing martial artist & will, one day, make a great instructor.” Mackenzie’s 2 Black Belts are in American Karate Do Spivey Ryu and Traditional Japanese Chito Ryu Karate. The Zephryhills resident is currently working toward a 3rd Black Belt in Opens Style Weapons. The photo: Makenzie Reed performing a weapons kata, with the sai, during her Black Belt test.
Ray Fones (right) accepts his Black Sash from Tai Chi instructor Ms Linda.
Kyle Worsham (left) & Megan Parish have achieved their Black Belts in the Padded Weapons program.