New first-degree black belt Nick Metcalf holds his certificate, surrounded by the test board, from left, Mike Buxton, Nick Bibich, Wendi Barker, Desire McDaniel and Carole Hansen. - Photo courtesy of Tiger Martial Arts
Photo courtesy of Tiger Martial Arts
New first-degree black belt Nick Metcalf holds his certificate, surrounded by the test board, from left, Mike Buxton, Nick Bibich, Wendi Barker, Desire McDaniel and Carole Hansen.

Nick Metcalf achieves black belt


April 29, 2009 · Updated 9:40 AM 

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Tiger Martial Arts in Freeland announced that Nick Metcalf of Coupeville tested and passed his first-degree black belt test.

Metcalf has been studying for just under three years in Uechi Ryu Karate, averaging three to four classes per week, and within the last year has completed the rigorous requirements to be eligible for the rank, said Sensei Wendi Barker.

The requirements that must be done within one year of black belt recommendation include 13,000 pushups and sit-ups, walking or jogging up to four miles per day, practicing all of the kata routines daily, reading six books on self-improvement, completing a journal and doing a community project. He also had to pass a 100-question written test on the history of Uechi Ryu Karate and passed with a score of 100 percent.

The test board consisted of Barker (fourth degree), Nick Bibich (third degree), Desire McDaniel (first degree), Carole Hansen (first degree) and Mike Buxton (first degree).

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