Journey to Earning a Black Belt

Each year in the fall, the Japan Karate Federation, Northwest (JKFNW) holds black belt examinations for different levels of black belt candidates. Candidates are nominated by senior senseis early in the year and have 10 months to prepare for the test.

The black belt test reviews each candidate’s ability in the three basic elements of good karate: kihon (basic fundamentals; stances, blocks, and strikes); kata (training exercises with predetermined moves and combinations); and kumite (free sparring). The candidates are required to proficiently perform line drills of kihon, as well as two of five established JKFNW kata, and a personal combination of moves developed by the candidate. Each candidate then completes three rounds of kumite, where the candidate must score one point on an upper-degree belt.

The journey to earning a black belt requires discipline and consistent training, with most individuals spending seven to ten years advancing through ten belts before being asked to test for a black belt. Less than 10% of students who start training in karate eventually earn a black belt.

This past October, one of the largest groups of JKFNW black belt candidates (11) tested from dojos located in Montana, Seattle, Salem, and Portland. Three MAC members — Phillippe De La Mar, Carol Pausz, and Mark Twietmeyer — tested and passed.

De La Mare tested for the rank of Sandan/third-degree black belt. For more than 20 years, De La Mare has been consistent with his training. He attends MAC classes as well as Zoom and in-person classes at the Hillsboro dojo. He feels his training in karate makes everyday life challenges easier to overcome. “It is rewarding to train many years alongside these students and develop friendships as we all patiently work and strive to reach our limits, which is one of the JKFNW Dojo Kun principals,” De La Mare says.

Pausz, who tested for Shodan/first-degree black belt, was introduced to karate by De La Mare. She has benefited from learning new athletic skills, embracing physical challenges, and feeling the joy of learning a true art form. “Karate requires focus, discipline, and an eye for detail, which helps to improve your self-confidence,” Pausz remarks. She has taken advantage of other MAC personal trainers and classes to enhance her karate training.

Mark Twietmeyer, who tested for Shodan/ first-degree black belt, started karate at the age of 48 after recovering from a knee injury. His very first class at MAC was a summer adult class, which led into a beginner class later that fall. While his journey to black belt took 17 years — a bit longer than normal — it provided the needed physical activity and stress relief for him as a small business owner. “Training with others made it much easier to show up for class, especially when the body is telling you to take the night off,” Twietmeyer reflects.

These MAC karate students want to thank and recognize Sensei Bill Plapinger, who has been the lead karate instructor at MAC for nearly 25 years. His patience, insight, and occasional tough words provided the motivation for all three candidates to earn their black belt. Thank you, Sensei Bill.

— Mark Twietmeyer