Local Yoshukai Karate students from Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center received their black belts from Japan last week. An even bigger thrill for them, however, was being presented with their certificates by 10th-degree black belt, Grand Master Yamamoto, during his most recent trip to the United States. Among the recipients were sisters Robyn (15) and Julia (13) Schwartz. Also testing was 14-year-old Rose Schlaff, whose 9-year-old brother is now a brown belt. Janet Wertman, who has two brown belt daughters and a six-year-old yellow belt son, also earned her black belt. Instructor and second-degree black belt Rick Phillips participated in three light-heavyweight tournaments recently. The first was a Super Fights event in Oxford, Alabama, where his performance earned him an invitation to the world championships in Osaka, Japan, where he lost a close decision due to a penalty point. Then, in the World Oyama Ultimate Challenge held in Birmingham, Alabama, Phillips won the Knockout Division to earn his first full-contact title. Yoshukai student Thomas Lesny, who recently moved to L.A. from Poland, also competed in the Super Fights and won the Amateur Heavyweight Semi-Knockout Division. Kickboxing instructor and Palisades resident Baxter Humby will defend his Super Welterweight title in Las Vegas on Saturday, February 5. For more information, call Blanck’s studio: 573-1985.
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