A new rank

Students, including children and adults, from the Academy of Kempo Martial Arts in Hamden received their new ranks. Being promoted to a new rank at the academy takes an understanding of the movements learned for each rank and the ability to perform those movements proficiently, the center said in a statement.

For the children it is equally important for them to show an improved understanding of how to use respect, self-control and self-discipline.

The Academy of Kempo Martial Arts congratulates the following students for their achievements: adult ranks (adult and teens): Orange Belt - Antonio Rodriguez, Purple Belt - Cazimir Bzdyra, and Blue Belt - Ben Hawkins. Junior Ranks (4-10 years old): Junior Yellow Belt – Khiry Oliver, Junior Orange - Timothy Wieland and Alexander Antoine, and Junior Green Stripe Belts - Mitchell Stevenson Jr. For more information on the Academy, call 288-9990 or visit www.academyofkempo.com.

In photo: back row: l to r: Grandmaster Brian Hanson, Antonio Rodriguez, Cazimir Bzdyra, Ben Hawkins and Shihan Frank Ciarleglio. Front row Khiry Oliver, Timothy Wieland, Alexander Antoine and Mitchell Stevenson Jr.