Ken Pankiewicz Graduation
The ceremony began with demonstrations by instructors and students, with stirring music playing in the background, which soon had the audience applauding enthusiastically. The Black Belt candidates, who were the true stars of the day, were then brought on stage in groups to demonstrate their tae kwon do, self-defence and kempo skills, followed by the weapons techniques they had learned. Peter Maher performed a very difficult Bo Staff routine that justifiably earned much applause.
Ken Pankiewicz
The formal presentation of the Black Belt Certificates was followed by the awarding of Black Belts to the new graduates. The graduates each held their Black Belt above their head and on a count of three they snapped it open in unison, whereupon a very loud cannon dramatically fired silver ticker tape into the air. The students then confirmed their commitment by reciting the Black Belt Oath. To conclude the formal part of the proceedings each candidate was given a “Rose of Appreciation” which they then presented to the person who had helped and supported them most in their journey to Black Belt.
Mike Allen, EFC UK General Manager
